US Rail Freight Intermodal Rises As Traditional Cargo Falls

US Rail Freight Intermodal Rises As Traditional Cargo Falls

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail traffic showed a mixed picture for the week ending February 15th. Traditional carload traffic decreased by 4.8% year-over-year, dragged down by coal, metals, and chemicals. Intermodal traffic, however, increased by 7.0% year-over-year, although slightly lower than the previous two weeks. Cumulative data for the first eight weeks shows a 0.7% decrease in carload traffic and a 9.3% increase in intermodal traffic. The reshaping of global supply chains and the growth of e-commerce are key drivers of intermodal growth.

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

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

For the week ending August 23rd, US rail freight showed mixed results: carload traffic edged up 0.6%, driven by gains in grain and automotive shipments, while petroleum and coal declined. Intermodal traffic decreased by 1.9%, impacted by highway competition and cooling consumer demand. Year-to-date figures remain positive but growth is slowing. Rail companies need to improve services, reduce costs, and expand business, embracing digital transformation to navigate the evolving landscape.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rises in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Rises in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carloads increased by 0.6% for the week ending August 23rd, with grain and automotive shipments performing strongly. However, intermodal traffic decreased by 1.9% year-over-year, potentially indicating a cooling consumer demand. Year-to-date figures still show overall growth in rail freight demand. Looking ahead, rail freight faces challenges such as economic recession risks and labor shortages, but also opportunities including infrastructure investment and sustainable development initiatives. Overall, the sector presents a mixed picture of present growth and future uncertainty.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Intermodal Growth Slows in August Amid Trade Uncertainty

US Intermodal Growth Slows in August Amid Trade Uncertainty

According to the Intermodal Association of North America, intermodal volume growth slowed in August, but remained positive for the first eight months. Tariff policies have significantly impacted shipping patterns, with companies front-loading shipments, leading to a flattening of the peak season. Despite ongoing uncertainties, the intermodal network is currently operating smoothly. The anticipation of increased tariffs prompted businesses to accelerate their shipping schedules, artificially inflating volumes in earlier months and potentially dampening traditional peak season activity.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Intermodal Lags Behind

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Intermodal Lags Behind

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending November 29th, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 4.3% year-over-year, led by coal, nonmetallic minerals, and grain. Intermodal containers and trailers decreased by 6.5% year-over-year. Year-to-date, carload traffic and intermodal traffic have increased by 1.8% and 1.9%, respectively. The rail freight market faces both challenges and opportunities in the future.

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

US Rail Freight Gains Carloads but Loses Intermodal Traffic

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending November 29th, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 4.3% year-over-year, primarily driven by growth in coal, minerals, and grain shipments. However, intermodal traffic experienced a 6.5% year-over-year decline. Year-to-date figures show growth in both carload and intermodal volumes, but the future growth outlook remains uncertain. The mixed performance highlights the complexities of the current freight market and the influence of various economic factors on rail transportation.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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West Coast Ports See Surge in Intermodal Freight Demand

West Coast Ports See Surge in Intermodal Freight Demand

The US multimodal market started Q4 strong, driven by West Coast imports and consumer spending. International Standard Containers (ISO) showed significant growth year-over-year. Although trailer volumes declined, the overall market maintained its upward trajectory. Experts anticipate continued strength in international freight volumes and are monitoring labor agreements and trucking capacity for their potential impact on future market development. The performance of ISO containers highlights the shift in import patterns and underscores the importance of West Coast ports in handling increased consumer demand.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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North American Intermodal Market Rebounds Eyes Sustained 2024 Growth

North American Intermodal Market Rebounds Eyes Sustained 2024 Growth

The North American intermodal market saw growth in Q4 2023, ending nine consecutive quarters of decline. While full-year figures remained weak, inventory normalization, economic growth, and the resolution of West Coast labor contracts offer hope for 2024. Trucking competition and global 'X factors' pose challenges. Key success factors include technological innovation, mutually beneficial partnerships, environmental sustainability, and talent development.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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North American Intermodal Rebounds in Q4 Amid Annual Challenges

North American Intermodal Rebounds in Q4 Amid Annual Challenges

The North American intermodal market saw year-over-year growth in Q4 2023, ending a nine-quarter decline, though full-year figures remained down. Inventory reduction, economic growth, and the resolution of West Coast labor contracts were key drivers of the Q4 increase. Intermodal is expected to continue growing in 2024 but faces challenges from trucking competition and global "X factors." The recovery suggests a positive trend in the freight market, potentially linked to broader economic recovery efforts, but sustained growth depends on navigating these external pressures.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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North American Intermodal Volume Falls in July Recovery Expected

North American Intermodal Volume Falls in July Recovery Expected

According to the Intermodal Association of North America, intermodal volumes in July decreased by 9.8% year-over-year, with a cumulative decrease of 9.6% for the year. Key factors include economic downturn, high inventory levels, and reduced consumer demand. The association anticipates a potential recovery in the second half of the year. Businesses should focus on monitoring the economic situation, optimizing operations, expanding services, strengthening technological innovation, and deepening collaboration to address challenges and seize opportunities.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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