The freight market shows signs of recovery after facing challenges, driven by increased imports, rising consumer confidence, interest rate cuts, and easing inflation. Growth in the truck tonnage index and intermodal volumes confirms this trend. Rail transport also benefits from consumer spending shifting towards durable goods. While uncertainties remain, a cautiously optimistic outlook prevails for the market.
The North American multimodal transportation market is experiencing a divergence: declining international freight volumes and rebounding domestic volumes. Experts emphasize that domestic intermodal is crucial for future growth. Optimizing routes and improving efficiency are necessary to address trade uncertainties and long-term growth challenges. Success hinges on capturing market share and driving industry development amidst these fluctuating conditions.
According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending March 15th, U.S. rail freight traffic increased by 3.1% year-over-year, and intermodal traffic rose by 8.8%. While year-to-date total freight volume slightly decreased, intermodal growth remains robust. This data suggests a steady economic recovery in the U.S. The rail transport industry is actively embracing digital transformation and green, sustainable development practices.
The sea-air intermodal transport mode in cross-border logistics combines the advantages of both sea and air shipping to reduce costs and improve efficiency, catering to various cargo demands. Companies can effectively respond to challenges posed by seasonal goods and urgent restocking, thereby enhancing their market responsiveness.
In 2018, the Port of Hamburg set a new record for sea-rail intermodal transport with 46.8 million tons, highlighting its core position in trade through stable port throughput and strong container operations. The Port continues to enhance its connections with global markets, and looking ahead, its convenient transportation and advanced technology make it a key hub for logistics in Central Europe and worldwide.
J.B. Hunt, BNSF, and GMXT have partnered to launch Quantum de México, optimizing US-Mexico cross-border intermodal transportation. This collaboration provides efficient and reliable rail transport solutions, facilitating trade between the two countries. Quantum de México aims to streamline the movement of goods across the border, offering enhanced visibility and control throughout the supply chain. By leveraging the strengths of each company, this initiative seeks to improve the speed and efficiency of cross-border shipping, ultimately supporting economic growth and development.
U.S. rail freight data for the last week of November 2025 presents a mixed picture. Carload traffic increased by 4.3% year-over-year, with strong performance in coal, nonmetallic minerals, and grain. However, intermodal traffic decreased by 6.5% year-over-year, potentially due to supply chain factors. Year-to-date figures indicate steady growth in rail freight. Businesses should closely monitor market trends, optimize supply chains, diversify transportation modes, and strengthen risk management to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
This article delves into the concept of intermodal (transshipment) cargo in international air freight and distinguishes it from stopovers. Intermodal transportation involves multiple flights to complete the transfer to the destination, whereas a stopover occurs within a single flight. It is crucial to confirm the continuation approvals during the booking process, ensure the compatibility of cargo dimensions and weight, and understand the timing requirements to enhance transportation efficiency and safety.
According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic decreased year-over-year for the week ending September 6, potentially due to the Labor Day holiday. Performance varied across different commodity categories, with year-to-date volumes for both freight and intermodal still showing growth. Future trends will be influenced by a multitude of factors including the macroeconomy, energy transition, supply chain restructuring, and infrastructure investments.
Recent data reveals a year-over-year decrease in U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes, though segmented data indicates varying performance across industries. While cumulative freight volume increased, intermodal volume declined. North American data mirrors the U.S. trend. Rail freight serves as an economic barometer, requiring comprehensive analysis of various factors to assess the economic situation. The rail industry needs innovation and transformation to address challenges and seize opportunities.
