US Rail Freight Shifts Intermodal Rises As Coal Declines

US Rail Freight Shifts Intermodal Rises As Coal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight performance in the first two weeks of January was mixed. Intermodal traffic increased by 11.6% year-over-year, driven by e-commerce and supply chain optimization. Traditional carloads decreased by 1.8% year-over-year, with a significant decline in coal shipments, reflecting the energy transition. Rail operators need to adjust their strategies and pay attention to market changes. Policymakers should support railway infrastructure development to promote intermodal transportation.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Union Pacific Expands Houston Port Rail Links to Five Key Markets

Union Pacific Expands Houston Port Rail Links to Five Key Markets

Union Pacific is expanding its intermodal services at Port Houston, allowing containers to be loaded directly from the port onto railcars. This service provides direct rail access to five major metropolitan areas: Denver, Salt Lake City, Oakland, Los Angeles, and El Paso. The initiative aims to improve transportation efficiency, reduce costs, alleviate highway congestion, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, benefiting both customers and the community. This expansion further solidifies Union Pacific's leading position in the intermodal market.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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JB Hunt BNSF GMXT Launch Usmexico Intermodal Service

JB Hunt BNSF GMXT Launch Usmexico Intermodal Service

J.B. Hunt, BNSF, and Grupo México Transportes have launched a US-Mexico intermodal service, connecting three major Mexican markets to the US rail network via the Eagle Pass border crossing. This initiative aims to improve the speed and efficiency of cross-border logistics. The move intensifies competition in the US-Mexico intermodal market, offering shippers more options and facilitating business expansion in the North American market. This collaboration promises streamlined transportation solutions and enhanced connectivity for goods moving between the two countries.

01/07/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Slump Hides Longterm Growth AAR Report

US Rail Freight Slump Hides Longterm Growth AAR Report

Recent data from the Association of American Railroads (AAR) shows a short-term year-over-year decline in rail freight and intermodal volumes, but cumulative year-to-date figures remain positive. Performance varies across market segments, with significant potential in intermodal transportation. Rail freight faces challenges like truck competition and labor shortages, but also benefits from economic growth and technological innovation. Moving forward, railway companies need to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and expand services, embracing change to achieve sustainable growth.

01/15/2026 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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North American Rail Freight Growth Slows Amid Economic Challenges

North American Rail Freight Growth Slows Amid Economic Challenges

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic decreased year-over-year in the week ending February 4th, though cumulative traffic still shows growth. Performance varies across sectors, with significant growth in automotive, parts, and petroleum, while coal and grain face challenges. Intermodal transportation faces transformation pressures, requiring optimized operations and strengthened collaboration. The North American rail transport industry faces both opportunities and challenges, necessitating continued innovation, cost control, and a focus on sustainable development.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Reforming the West Land-sea New Corridor to Enhance Iron-sea Combined Transport Capacity

Reforming the West Land-sea New Corridor to Enhance Iron-sea Combined Transport Capacity

The New Western Land-Sea Corridor faces multiple challenges in enhancing its iron-sea intermodal transportation capabilities, including inadequate infrastructure, weak industrial coordination, and a lack of regional cooperation. By strengthening infrastructure development, integrating resources, and optimizing policy guidance, it is possible to improve the overall transportation efficiency of this corridor, thereby supporting the economic development of the western region.

07/23/2025 Logistics
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