Freight Index Shows Early Recovery Signs As Intermodal Prices Diverge in Q1 2025

Freight Index Shows Early Recovery Signs As Intermodal Prices Diverge in Q1 2025

The TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index report reveals a diverging trend across various transportation modes in the US freight market, amidst weak demand and excess capacity. Truckload transportation shows cautious optimism, while the parcel sector witnesses intense pricing strategy competition. LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) transportation faces challenges in maintaining pricing discipline. The report provides crucial decision-making insights for industry participants, highlighting the nuances in pricing and demand dynamics across different freight segments. It offers a valuable overview of the current market conditions and potential future trends.

12/31/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

In the third week of January 2024, US rail freight and intermodal volumes both declined. Rail freight volume plummeted by 22.4% year-over-year, while intermodal volume decreased by 4.5%. Coal, nonmetallic minerals, and grain shipments experienced the largest declines. A similar trend was observed in North America. The decrease in freight volume may indicate an economic slowdown. It's recommended to strengthen economic monitoring, optimize supply chain management, and actively participate in policy development.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Volumes Rebound in October

US Rail Freight Volumes Rebound in October

U.S. rail freight volume increased in October, with both carloads and intermodal traffic rising. Year-to-date carloads saw a slight increase, while intermodal experienced a minor decrease. Experts express cautious optimism, highlighting the continued importance of rail freight in the overall economy. The growth suggests a potential strengthening of the economic recovery, though the mixed year-to-date performance calls for careful monitoring of future trends and market conditions impacting the rail industry.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Decline Sparks Economic Concern

US Rail Freight Decline Sparks Economic Concern

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending May 21, U.S. rail freight volume decreased by 3.7% year-over-year, and intermodal volume decreased by 4.5%. Coal and chemical product shipments increased against the trend, but grain shipments declined. Year-to-date, total rail freight volume increased slightly by 0.4%, while intermodal volume decreased by 6.8%. Economic downturn risks, supply chain bottlenecks, and industry competition are major challenges, requiring proactive corporate responses.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic decreased by 3.7% year-over-year for the week ending May 21, while intermodal traffic fell by 4.5%. Coal and chemical shipments increased, while grain and metals declined. Year-to-date, freight traffic is up 0.4%, but intermodal traffic is down 6.8%. The decline in rail freight could signal an economic slowdown, requiring proactive responses from railway companies and increased investment from the government.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Volumes Reflect Mixed Economic Signals

US Rail Freight Volumes Reflect Mixed Economic Signals

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a year-over-year decrease in U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic for the week ending August 26th. While overall figures declined, some commodity categories experienced growth in freight volume. Year-to-date data indicates a slight increase in traditional carloads, but intermodal faces challenges. Rail transport companies need to optimize operations, expand services, and embrace digitalization to seize opportunities, address challenges, and achieve transformation and upgrading.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Volumes Reflect Uneven Recovery Trends

US Rail Freight Volumes Reflect Uneven Recovery Trends

The Association of American Railroads reported that U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both increased year-over-year for the week ending August 30th. Chemicals and metallic ores showed strong performance, while petroleum and grain declined. Year-to-date figures indicate overall growth in both rail freight and intermodal volume. Key drivers include economic recovery and infrastructure investments. However, attention should be paid to geopolitical risks such as inflation and labor shortages.

02/04/2026 Logistics
Read More
Freight Market Shows Signs of Recovery Amid Caution

Freight Market Shows Signs of Recovery Amid Caution

Cautious optimism emerges in the freight market with improvements in import volumes, consumer spending, trucking, and intermodal transport. However, port labor issues and tariff policies continue to influence the data. A shift in consumer spending towards goods is a key driver for intermodal growth. Overall, the market may be emerging from a 'winter' period, but a cautious approach to recovery is still warranted. The data suggests a positive trend but external factors require close monitoring.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Rail Freight Demand Slows in Early February

US Rail Freight Demand Slows in Early February

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both declined year-over-year for the week ending February 4th. Carload traffic saw a slight decrease, although commodities like automobiles and parts experienced growth. Intermodal volume continued its downward trend, reflecting weak consumer demand. Year-to-date figures are mixed, with North America performing slightly better overall, and Mexican railways demonstrating strong growth. Multiple factors are at play, making the future trend uncertain.

01/28/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown AAR

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown AAR

In the third week of January 2024, U.S. rail freight volume and intermodal traffic both decreased, along with a decline in North American freight volume. Potential causes include economic downturns, requiring proactive responses from railway companies. This data reflects trends reported by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and highlights the current challenges in rail freight and intermodal sectors. Railway businesses need to adapt to these changes to maintain efficiency and profitability in a fluctuating economic landscape.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More