2015 Rail and Intermodal Freight Rates Outlook

2015 Rail and Intermodal Freight Rates Outlook

The 2015 Rate Outlook Seminar focused on rail and multimodal transportation, discussing issues such as West Coast ports, costs, talent, bidding, and congestion, and proposing solutions. Key topics included strategies for navigating port congestion impacting intermodal operations, the importance of attracting and retaining skilled logistics talent, and effective bidding practices in a competitive market. The seminar aimed to provide attendees with insights and tools to improve efficiency and manage costs in the evolving logistics landscape.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Rebounds in July Amid Economic Recovery

US Rail Freight Rebounds in July Amid Economic Recovery

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a significant increase in US rail freight and intermodal volume in July, with notable growth in coal, metallic ores, and chemicals. Year-to-date figures are also encouraging, suggesting a steady economic recovery in the United States. However, global supply chain challenges and environmental pressures persist, requiring proactive responses from the industry. The growth in rail freight and intermodal transportation highlights its importance in supporting economic activity and efficient goods movement.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Growth Slows Amid Shifting Demand

US Rail Freight Growth Slows Amid Shifting Demand

For the week of October 4, 2025, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes increased year-over-year, but growth decelerated. Freight volume saw a slight increase of 0.002%, while intermodal grew by 6.7%. Declining coal shipments reflect the ongoing energy transition. Supply chain challenges continue to limit intermodal's full potential. Year-to-date figures still indicate overall growth. Future focus should be on infrastructure investment, technological innovation, and sustainable development to maintain momentum and address evolving market dynamics.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines in September Grain Shipments Rise

US Rail Freight Declines in September Grain Shipments Rise

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a year-over-year decline in U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic for the third week of September. Coal shipments experienced a significant drop, while grain transport showed strong performance. Year-to-date figures still indicate growth, suggesting a positive long-term trend. Rail freight volume is considered an economic bellwether, reflecting economic activity and structural shifts. The fluctuations in freight volume provide insights into the overall health and direction of the economy.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Surges Unexpectedly in Early July

US Rail Freight Surges Unexpectedly in Early July

U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both increased in the first week of July, with solid year-to-date cumulative growth. Economic recovery and infrastructure investments are key drivers behind this positive trend. The rise in rail freight volume suggests increased demand for goods and materials, reflecting a strengthening economy. Intermodal growth indicates efficient supply chain management and a shift towards more sustainable transportation options. These figures are positive economic indicators, suggesting continued recovery and growth in the U.S. economy.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rises in Late September Led by Auto and Grain

US Rail Freight Rises in Late September Led by Auto and Grain

The Association of American Railroads reported that for the week ending September 27th, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both experienced year-over-year growth. Significant increases were seen in the transportation of nonmetallic minerals, grain, and motor vehicles & parts. Conversely, coal, petroleum & petroleum products, and metallic ores & metals saw declines. For the first 39 weeks of 2025, both total U.S. rail freight traffic and intermodal volume have shown year-over-year growth, indicating a positive trend in the sector.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rises in July Hinting at Economic Rebound

US Rail Freight Rises in July Hinting at Economic Rebound

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates robust rail freight and intermodal volumes in July, reaching record highs. Strong performance was observed in sectors like automotive, energy, and construction materials, with intermodal continuing its upward trend. This growth in rail freight volume potentially signals an ongoing economic recovery in the United States. However, the industry still faces challenges including aging infrastructure, labor shortages, and increased competition. The sustained growth needs to be carefully analyzed in light of these existing constraints.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains Offset by Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Gains Offset by Intermodal Declines

U.S. rail freight data presents a mixed picture: carload traffic shows a slight increase, while intermodal container volume declines. Varying performance across different commodity categories reflects economic restructuring. Investors should pay attention to industry trends, evaluate company performance, and diversify risk to capture long-term returns in the rail freight market. The slight carload increase offers a glimmer of optimism, but the container volume drop warrants careful observation of shifting supply chains and consumer demand.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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North American Rail Freight Gains Mask Intermodal Decline

North American Rail Freight Gains Mask Intermodal Decline

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) report indicates that for the week ending November 29, 2025, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 4.3% year-over-year, while intermodal traffic decreased by 6.5% year-over-year. Year-to-date figures show growth in both carload and intermodal volume. The report highlights the complex landscape of the rail freight market, providing valuable market information and strategic insights for businesses.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Global Freight Guide Weight Vs Volume Classifications Explained

Global Freight Guide Weight Vs Volume Classifications Explained

In international freight, the classification of heavy goods, light/bulky goods (also known as chargeable weight), and flat goods significantly impacts shipping costs. This article details these concepts and explains their classification standards based on different transportation modes, including air, sea, and land freight. It also highlights that the actual standards may vary among different companies, requiring specific consultation for accurate assessment. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for optimizing logistics cost management in international trade.

09/26/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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