US Rail Freight Sees Carload Drop Amid Container Growth

US Rail Freight Sees Carload Drop Amid Container Growth

The US rail freight market presents a mixed picture: traditional carload freight volumes have declined sharply, down 13.6% year-over-year, while container traffic has bucked the trend, increasing by 2.3%. Key drivers include economic restructuring, consumption upgrades, changes in global trade patterns, energy structure adjustments, and the rise of e-commerce. Railway companies need to actively embrace change by expanding container business, optimizing carload freight operations, and strengthening technological innovation.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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US Service Sector Growth Slows in Latest PMI Report

US Service Sector Growth Slows in Latest PMI Report

The US Services PMI has grown for five consecutive months, but the growth rate is slowing. Declines in several sub-indices suggest future challenges. There is divergence within the industry, and inflationary pressures persist. Businesses need to strengthen risk management, optimize supply chains, and innovate service models to cope with a complex and volatile market environment. The slower growth and persistent inflation highlight potential headwinds for the service sector.

01/30/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Under Armour Revives Growth with Founders Return and Innovation

Under Armour Revives Growth with Founders Return and Innovation

Under Armour is grappling with declining revenue and plummeting profits. With founder Kevin Plank's return, the company is attempting to navigate out of this difficult situation through streamlining its organizational structure, optimizing product strategies, and adjusting marketing approaches. However, the path to brand revitalization is fraught with challenges, requiring the resolution of internal issues and the ability to effectively address external competition. The success of this turnaround hinges on effectively executing these strategic shifts.

01/30/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Ecommerce Firms Adopt Smart Shipping for Crossborder Growth

Global Ecommerce Firms Adopt Smart Shipping for Crossborder Growth

Selecting international ocean shipping routes for cross-border e-commerce requires a comprehensive consideration of product characteristics and market demand. Quantitatively assess factors like transit time, cost, port efficiency, and risk. Establish a closed-loop decision-making process encompassing demand quantification, route comparison, multi-dimensional evaluation, small-batch testing, and long-term partnerships. This approach aims to achieve a dynamic balance between transit time, cost-effectiveness, and security. Careful planning and execution are crucial for optimizing the supply chain and ensuring customer satisfaction in the global marketplace.

01/30/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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US Railroads Key to Global Trade and Economic Growth

US Railroads Key to Global Trade and Economic Growth

International trade is crucial for the U.S. railroad industry, contributing significantly to revenue and employment. The Association of American Railroads supports free trade and actively invests in infrastructure to accommodate trade growth. Looking ahead, the railroad industry will further strengthen its connection with international trade through technological innovation, sustainable development, and diversification, making a greater contribution to the U.S. economy. This includes modernizing infrastructure, improving efficiency, and adapting to changing global trade patterns to ensure the continued success and competitiveness of the U.S. rail system.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Sustainable Procurement Boosts Corporate Growth and Supply Chain Resilience

Sustainable Procurement Boosts Corporate Growth and Supply Chain Resilience

Recent research indicates that sustainable procurement is becoming standard practice for businesses, driven primarily by brand reputation, supply chain resilience, and green index rankings. Companies need to establish clear goals, assess supplier performance, build transparent supply chains, and strengthen collaboration to achieve economic benefits, social responsibility, and environmental protection. Sustainable procurement is a strategic choice for businesses looking towards the future. It's about integrating environmental, social, and ethical considerations into the purchasing process to minimize negative impacts and maximize positive contributions.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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North American Intermodal Growth Rises on Domestic Container Demand

North American Intermodal Growth Rises on Domestic Container Demand

The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) reports a 4.5% year-over-year increase in North American intermodal volume in Q1, with domestic container shipments leading the growth. Lower fuel costs, improved service, and railway investments are key drivers. Experts note that transloading and base effects also contribute. International container growth exceeded expectations, while trailer volume decline narrowed. Intermodal marketing companies saw revenue growth despite lower loadings. The outlook for the intermodal market is positive, suggesting opportunities for businesses to capitalize on the momentum.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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XPO Logistics Posts Robust Q3 Growth Plans Expansion Acquisitions

XPO Logistics Posts Robust Q3 Growth Plans Expansion Acquisitions

XPO Logistics reported strong Q3 results with revenue and profit growth across all business segments. The company continues to explore acquisition opportunities, seeking long-term contract relationships and recurring revenue streams to drive strategic growth and enhance shareholder value. Focus areas for future development include last-mile delivery and technological innovation. The company is actively looking for opportunities to expand its presence and improve its services through strategic acquisitions and technological advancements.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Supply Chain Digital Twins Risk Growth by Overlooking Customers

Supply Chain Digital Twins Risk Growth by Overlooking Customers

Gartner's research indicates that while most enterprises are actively exploring Digital Supply Chain Twins (DSCT), few plan to incorporate Digital Twins of Customers (DToC) into their strategies. This oversight may hinder the full potential of digital twin technology. Businesses need to shift their perspective, placing the customer at the core, and enhance data collection and analysis. Building a customer-centric digital twin ecosystem is crucial to unlocking the true value of digital twins and gaining a competitive advantage. Prioritizing customer understanding within the digital twin framework is essential for maximizing its impact.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Sees Container Growth Offset Coal Decline

US Rail Freight Sees Container Growth Offset Coal Decline

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight performance in October was mixed. Container traffic increased year-over-year, reaching a 28-month high, driven by economic resilience and supply chain optimization. However, coal transportation declined, dragging down overall carload volume. Year-to-date figures also show a decrease in container traffic, influenced by the energy transition. The Panama Canal congestion may boost demand for rail container transport. The rail freight market faces both opportunities and challenges in the future.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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