Chongqing Hosts Global Railway Intermodal Summit on New Trends

Chongqing Hosts Global Railway Intermodal Summit on New Trends

Chongqing will host the International Rail Intermodal Summit in September 2026, focusing on the development of corridors such as the China-Europe Railway Express. The summit aims to promote exchange and cooperation, contributing to the Belt and Road Initiative. It will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in rail intermodal transport and explore innovative solutions for enhancing connectivity and efficiency along these vital trade routes. The event is expected to attract participants from various countries and industries.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines in January

US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines in January

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight performance in late January presented a mixed picture. Carload traffic increased by 3.3% year-over-year, driven by nonmetallic minerals and coal. However, intermodal traffic declined by 6.7%, reflecting softening consumer demand and ongoing supply chain challenges. Overall North American rail traffic saw a slight decrease. Key influencing factors going forward include the broader macroeconomic environment, supply chain resilience, the energy transition, and technological innovation.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 3.3% year-over-year in the week ending January 21st, while intermodal volume decreased by 6.7%. Cumulative data for the first three weeks of the year shows a 3% increase in carloads and an 8.4% decrease in intermodal volume. Overall, North American rail freight presents a mixed picture, with the market influenced by a combination of economic conditions, supply chains, and energy prices.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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North American Intermodal Volume Declines Amid Supply Chain Challenges

North American Intermodal Volume Declines Amid Supply Chain Challenges

The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) reported a first decline in North American intermodal volumes in five years during Q3, impacted by supply chain disruptions and weather events. While the year-to-date volume for the first nine months still shows growth, challenges and opportunities persist. Collaborative efforts are needed to strengthen infrastructure, optimize networks, increase labor availability, improve equipment utilization, and promote digitalization. These actions are crucial for reshaping supply chain resilience in the face of ongoing uncertainties and fostering future growth in the intermodal sector.

01/27/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Automotive Grain Up As Intermodal Lags

US Rail Freight Automotive Grain Up As Intermodal Lags

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported a mixed performance in U.S. rail freight for the week ending March 21. Traditional carload traffic saw a slight year-over-year decrease, but grain and automotive shipments performed strongly. Intermodal volume, however, bucked the trend and increased. Year-to-date figures show a small increase in carload volume, while intermodal volume experienced a slight decline. The U.S. rail freight market is undergoing a transformation and upgrade, requiring proactive responses to challenges and the seizing of opportunities.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carloads increased by 3.3% year-over-year in late January, driven primarily by nonmetallic minerals and coal. However, intermodal traffic decreased by 6.7% year-over-year, suggesting weaker consumer demand. Year-to-date, carloads have increased by 3%, while intermodal traffic has declined by 8.4%. Overall North American rail traffic has slightly decreased, reflecting a complex economic outlook. The contrasting trends in carload and intermodal volumes highlight the mixed signals within the current economic landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Major Investments Aim to Revive Struggling Rail Intermodal Sector

Major Investments Aim to Revive Struggling Rail Intermodal Sector

Faced with service issues and declining performance, rail and intermodal providers are maintaining record investment levels to address current challenges and strive to return to pre-recession performance. However, experts point out that simply increasing investment may not fundamentally solve the problems. What's more important is how to effectively translate capital into tangible operational improvements. The key lies in optimizing processes, embracing technology, and fostering collaboration across the supply chain to maximize the return on investment and achieve sustainable operational efficiency.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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North Americas Intermodal Transport Shifts Focus to Domestic Growth

North Americas Intermodal Transport Shifts Focus to Domestic Growth

The North American multimodal transportation market faces challenges from international trade uncertainties and long-term growth deceleration. International freight volumes are declining due to tariffs, while domestic freight shows slight growth. Domestic multimodal transportation is considered key to future growth, requiring optimized routes and increased long-haul market share. Paying attention to global shipping and truck supply factors may present opportunities to capture market share. Despite international headwinds, focusing on domestic strengths could lead to positive outcomes.

01/30/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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North American Intermodal Transport Seeks Growth Amid Domestic Demand

North American Intermodal Transport Seeks Growth Amid Domestic Demand

The North American multimodal transportation market is bifurcated, with international volumes declining and domestic volumes steadily increasing. Domestic transportation may become a future growth engine, requiring attention to factors such as global shipping routes, trucking capacity, and driver availability. The overall volume forecast for 2026 is flat to slightly down. The shift towards domestic transport highlights the need for optimization within North American supply chains and leveraging multimodal solutions to enhance efficiency and resilience.

01/30/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Rises Intermodal Surges in Early March

US Rail Freight Rises Intermodal Surges in Early March

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume both increased year-over-year for the week ending March 8, 2025. However, year-to-date, total carload traffic is down 1.5%, while intermodal volume is up 8.4%. Coal and grain shipments increased, while metallic ores, chemicals, and forest products declined. Railroad companies should capitalize on intermodal opportunities and address freight challenges to achieve sustainable growth.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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