US Rail Freight Carloads Decline As Intermodal Gains

US Rail Freight Carloads Decline As Intermodal Gains

The Association of American Railroads reported a mixed performance for the U.S. rail freight market in the week ending March 21st. Carload traffic decreased by 2.4% year-over-year, despite strong performance in grain and automotive shipments. Intermodal volume, however, increased by 6.7%, reflecting e-commerce growth and the trend towards more sophisticated supply chains. The overall rail freight market faces both challenges and opportunities throughout the year. Optimizing networks, expanding services, applying technology, and strengthening collaboration are crucial for success.

02/12/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Amid Positive Outlook

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Amid Positive Outlook

US rail freight performance diverged in June, with carload traffic declining while intermodal volume growth slowed. This suggests a weakening economic momentum. Ongoing energy transition and supply chain adjustments continue to influence freight patterns. The decrease in carload traffic could be attributed to reduced demand for specific commodities, while the slower intermodal growth might reflect broader economic uncertainties and shifting consumer preferences. Further analysis is needed to fully understand the underlying drivers and their long-term implications for the rail freight industry.

02/12/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Shifts Autos Petroleum Rise As Coal Falls

US Rail Freight Shifts Autos Petroleum Rise As Coal Falls

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic diverged in the week ending May 9th. Traditional freight carloads declined year-over-year, while motor vehicles and petroleum products showed strong performance. Coal continued to face pressure. Intermodal traffic increased year-over-year, but the growth rate slowed. Year-to-date, traditional freight carloads have slightly decreased, while intermodal traffic has grown. Railroad companies need to actively address challenges and seize opportunities to achieve sustainable development.

02/12/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Ports Adopt New System to Improve Service Quality

US Ports Adopt New System to Improve Service Quality

To more accurately measure the quality of port services in the United States, the 29th annual 'Quest for Quality Awards' utilizes an evaluation system encompassing five key dimensions: business ease, value, ocean/intermodal network, equipment, and operations. This framework aims to provide shippers with objective benchmarks and incentivize ports to improve their service levels.

01/20/2026 Port Encyclopedia
Read More
Dutch Aviation Sector Urges Policy Reforms for Growth

Dutch Aviation Sector Urges Policy Reforms for Growth

The Dutch air transport industry significantly contributes to the economy but faces competitive pressures. This report highlights priorities such as Schiphol Airport expansion, airport charges and investments, and the National Airspace Strategy. It recommends clarifying the maximum number of aircraft movements, promoting CORSIA, and maintaining EU slot allocation rules to enhance industry competitiveness and foster sustainable economic development. These policy recommendations aim to strengthen the Dutch aviation sector's position in the global market and ensure its continued contribution to the national economy while addressing environmental concerns.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Rail Freight Sees Carload Drop Intermodal Rise

US Rail Freight Sees Carload Drop Intermodal Rise

Data from the Association of American Railroads reveals a divergence in the U.S. rail freight market for the week of August 8th. Traditional carload traffic plummeted 15.6% year-over-year, with only grain shipments showing growth. Conversely, intermodal container and trailer traffic increased by 1.9%. Year-to-date figures also indicate a smaller decline in intermodal volume compared to carload. This reflects the transformation of the U.S. economic structure, changing consumption patterns, and the influence of global trade. Railroad companies need to actively innovate and transform to adapt to the evolving market.

01/20/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Stagnates As Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Stagnates As Intermodal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic was largely flat for the week ending June 28th, while intermodal traffic saw a slight decrease. Performance varied across sectors, with gains in grain and automotive shipments offset by declines in metals and coal. Cumulative data for the first 26 weeks of the year indicates continued growth in overall freight volume. However, the industry faces ongoing challenges related to macroeconomic conditions, industry competition, and infrastructure limitations.

01/20/2026 Logistics
Read More
Rail Intermodal Gains Momentum in Freight Transport

Rail Intermodal Gains Momentum in Freight Transport

This paper delves into the rise of rail intermodal in the US freight market, analyzing its driving factors, challenges, and future opportunities. Through data analysis and expert insights, it reveals the advantages of rail intermodal in cost reduction and efficiency improvement, emphasizing the importance of continuous investment and innovation for industry development. Rail intermodal is evolving towards greater efficiency and sustainability, poised to play a crucial role in the future freight market. It examines the benefits and potential for growth within the sector.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Intermodal Volume Rises Despite Economic Challenges in March

Intermodal Volume Rises Despite Economic Challenges in March

This paper analyzes multimodal transport data for March, highlighting structural divergence: overall growth but a decline in trailer transport, and strong growth in international containers. It emphasizes that growth in international trade and steady domestic economic development are driving forces, but also warns of risks from trade policies and rising costs. The paper recommends that companies adopt diversified and refined strategies, embrace new technologies, to address challenges and seize opportunities.

01/20/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Intermodal Volume Falls Further in July Amid Economic Slowdown

US Intermodal Volume Falls Further in July Amid Economic Slowdown

According to IANA data, US intermodal volume decreased by 9.8% year-over-year in July, a widening decline. Key factors include economic weakness, high inventory levels, and increased competition from trucking. IANA anticipates a potential turnaround in the second half of the year, but expects growth to be slower than in the past. President Joni Casey noted that Q2 performance was below expectations and hopes for a strong peak season. She emphasized that high inventories, inflation, and declining consumer demand are contributing factors.

01/20/2026 Logistics
Read More