US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls in Early November

US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls in Early November

U.S. rail freight data for the week of November 8, 2025, reveals a 0.1% year-over-year increase in traditional carload traffic, but lower than the previous two weeks. Intermodal volume decreased by 8.7% compared to the same period last year. Year-to-date, carload traffic has increased by 1.8%, and intermodal volume by 2.5%. These figures reflect the complexities of the U.S. economy and the challenges and opportunities facing the rail freight market.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Loses in Intermodal

October 2025 US rail freight data shows a slight increase of 0.3% in carload traffic, but a 4.8% year-over-year decrease in intermodal volume. Shipments of nonmetallic minerals, metallic ores, and chemicals increased, while grain, miscellaneous, and coal shipments declined. Year-to-date, total carload traffic is up 2.0% and intermodal volume is up 3.2%. The data reflects economic structural changes and market uncertainties, requiring the rail industry to address challenges and seize opportunities.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rises Intermodal Gains Surge in Early October

US Rail Freight Rises Intermodal Gains Surge in Early October

This article analyzes the growth of U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes in early October 2025, indicating a general trend reflecting increased economic activity. It delves into commodity categories, year-to-date data, and influencing factors, while also looking ahead to future market opportunities and challenges. The analysis emphasizes the impact of macroeconomics, industry structure, technological innovation, and geopolitics on rail transportation.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Mixed Grain Metals Up Autos Intermodal Down

US Rail Freight Mixed Grain Metals Up Autos Intermodal Down

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight volume saw a slight year-over-year decrease in early November. However, grain and metals shipments bucked the trend, showing growth, while coal and automotive transport declined. Intermodal business also faced challenges. Year-to-date figures still indicate overall growth. Railroad companies need to adapt to market changes and focus on key factors such as economic growth, energy policies, supply chain management, technological innovation, and infrastructure investment to maintain a competitive edge.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Loses in Intermodal

For the week of November 29, 2025, U.S. rail freight showed a mixed performance. Carload traffic increased by 4.3% year-over-year, driven by higher demand for coal, nonmetallic minerals, and grain. Intermodal traffic decreased by 6.5% year-over-year, potentially due to port congestion and increased competition. Year-to-date figures indicate overall growth in rail freight, but structural adjustments pose ongoing challenges. The increase in carload traffic suggests strong demand in specific commodity sectors, while the decline in intermodal volume warrants further investigation into contributing factors.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Up Intermodal Down

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Up Intermodal Down

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic for the week ending November 29th increased by 4.3% year-over-year, while intermodal volume decreased by 6.5% year-over-year. Year-to-date figures show slight growth in both carload and intermodal traffic. Businesses should closely monitor market dynamics, optimize transportation combinations, strengthen supply chain collaboration, and leverage technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs to navigate market changes.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Mixed Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls in January

US Rail Freight Mixed Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls in January

US rail freight performance diverged in January 2023: carload volume increased by 4.2% while intermodal container volume decreased by 7%. Key influencing factors include the overall economic climate, ongoing supply chain dynamics, and relevant policy decisions. The contrasting trends highlight the complex interplay of these elements impacting the rail freight sector during the specified period.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rebounds in August on Chemical Intermodal Gains

US Rail Freight Rebounds in August on Chemical Intermodal Gains

US rail freight saw a slight increase in the last week of August, with gains in both carloads and intermodal units. Performance varied across commodity categories. Year-to-date cumulative freight volume also showed growth. This data provides insights into the current economic landscape and can be used for further analysis of freight trends and their impact on the broader economy. The modest uptick suggests continued, albeit uneven, economic activity.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Intermodal Freight Volumes Decline in October Amid Tariff Worries

US Intermodal Freight Volumes Decline in October Amid Tariff Worries

North American Intermodal Association data shows a 2% year-over-year decrease in U.S. intermodal freight volume in October 2025, ending months of consecutive growth. Key influencing factors include tariff policies, economic uncertainty, and industrial weakness. While cumulative freight volume for the year remains positive, the growth rate is slowing. The future intermodal market should focus on key factors such as tariffs, consumer spending, inventory levels, and capacity supply, while also strengthening innovation and international cooperation.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains Mask Intermodal Decline Amid Market Shift

US Rail Freight Gains Mask Intermodal Decline Amid Market Shift

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight showed mixed results for the week ending October 18th: carload originations slightly increased, but intermodal volume declined. While year-to-date figures remain positive, growth is slowing. Facing this market adjustment, railway companies need to strengthen infrastructure, optimize transportation organization, expand service offerings, and enhance technological innovation and collaboration to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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