US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

Recent data reveals a complex picture for the US rail freight market: carload volume saw a slight increase, but intermodal volume declined, reflecting challenges in economic recovery. While cumulative year-to-date figures show growth, concerns remain regarding supply chains and labor shortages. Railroad companies should focus on improving efficiency, strengthening collaboration, and embracing digital transformation to address future challenges. The decrease in intermodal volume suggests a potential shift in freight transport patterns or underlying economic pressures impacting consumer demand and international trade.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Online Learning Eases LTL Talent Shortage Boosts Supply Chains

Online Learning Eases LTL Talent Shortage Boosts Supply Chains

The shortage of LTL transportation talent poses a challenge to supply chains. SMC³'s online LTL courses and certification system offer a solution through systematic learning, case studies, and certification exams. This helps companies quickly enhance employees' LTL expertise and skills, optimize transportation plans, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, ultimately upgrading the supply chain. The program provides a structured approach to building a knowledgeable workforce capable of navigating the complexities of LTL shipping and contributing to improved supply chain performance.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Vietnam Lockdowns Strain Global Supply Chains Ahead of Holidays

Vietnam Lockdowns Strain Global Supply Chains Ahead of Holidays

Vietnam's pandemic lockdowns have significantly impacted global supply chains, posing risks of product delivery delays and sales decline for retailers. Businesses are actively adjusting strategies, including early stockpiling, production relocation, inventory optimization, and diversified sourcing, to address these challenges. Building a more resilient and flexible supply chain system is crucial for companies to cope with future risks. The disruption highlights the need for proactive measures and adaptable strategies in navigating unforeseen global events and ensuring business continuity in the retail sector.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Schneider Intermodal Addresses Rising Detention Delays in Supply Chain

Schneider Intermodal Addresses Rising Detention Delays in Supply Chain

Schneider Electric's intermodal customers are experiencing a 70% surge in unloading delays, highlighting significant supply chain bottlenecks. These delays stem from a combination of factors including increased freight volumes, labor shortages, and rail congestion. Schneider plans to mitigate the issue by increasing container availability, optimizing resources, and collaborating with rail companies and customers. Intermodal is a key growth area for Schneider, committed to sustainable development, but addressing unloading delays is crucial for improving overall supply chain efficiency and maintaining customer satisfaction.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Fresh Food Ecommerce Tackles Raccoon Threats to Boost Deliveries

Fresh Food Ecommerce Tackles Raccoon Threats to Boost Deliveries

The "last mile" delivery in fresh produce e-commerce is a critical challenge. Companies need to innovate, such as using insulated boxes, to address temperature and safety issues and enhance brand loyalty. Building a proprietary logistics network and outsourcing both have advantages and disadvantages, requiring careful selection. The pandemic has boosted the development of fresh produce e-commerce, and the future is promising, but continuous improvement in service quality is essential. This includes optimizing delivery times and ensuring product freshness upon arrival.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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OAG Named Top UK Tech Employer for Pandemic Employee Care

OAG Named Top UK Tech Employer for Pandemic Employee Care

Travel data provider OAG has been named one of the UK's Best Tech Companies to Work For, highlighting its exceptional employee care and effective communication during the pandemic. The award also recognizes OAG's outstanding performance in talent attraction and crisis management. OAG's success stems from its people-centric philosophy, creating a positive work environment for employees and helping its customers succeed in turbulent times. The company's commitment to its workforce is a key differentiator in the competitive travel technology landscape.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Businesses Adapt Strategies to Mitigate Supply Chain Disruptions

Businesses Adapt Strategies to Mitigate Supply Chain Disruptions

The global supply chain is suffering from the "Bullwhip Effect." Companies need to optimize inventory, streamline product lines, and flexibly adjust orders. Strengthening trust and cooperation with suppliers and sharing information are crucial. Improving operational efficiency and using real-time information for rapid response are key to taming the "Bullwhip Effect." This enhances supply chain resilience and secures a competitive advantage. By implementing these strategies, businesses can mitigate the negative consequences of demand fluctuations and maintain a stable and efficient supply chain.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Pandemic Reshapes Ecommerce Logistics and Carrier Relations

Pandemic Reshapes Ecommerce Logistics and Carrier Relations

The pandemic accelerated the transformation of e-commerce logistics, exposing bottlenecks in transportation capacity and information asymmetry. Instant delivery has emerged, offering new options for e-commerce businesses. In the future, carriers and e-commerce companies will deepen cooperation and leverage technology to drive differentiated services to address market challenges. This includes optimizing last-mile delivery, improving real-time tracking, and enhancing overall supply chain efficiency to meet evolving customer expectations and maintain a competitive edge in the dynamic e-commerce landscape.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Rising Logistics Costs Threaten Lastmile Delivery Growth

Rising Logistics Costs Threaten Lastmile Delivery Growth

High logistics costs and last-mile delivery challenges pose significant obstacles for supply chains. Surveys indicate that companies struggle with finding reliable transportation partners and are experiencing rising transportation costs. Businesses are adopting strategies such as building their own logistics networks, forming strategic partnerships, embracing technological innovation, offering differentiated services, and pursuing mergers and acquisitions to address these issues. Last-mile delivery is expected to evolve towards greater precision and intelligence, with green logistics becoming a key trend in the future.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Firms Prioritize Customercentric Supply Chains for Future Growth

Firms Prioritize Customercentric Supply Chains for Future Growth

This paper delves into the future trends of customer-centric supply chains, proposing six cornerstones for building intelligent fulfillment services: dynamic segmentation, asset-light operations, real-time visibility, service-oriented operating models, data-driven application intelligence and technology, and continuous innovation. It emphasizes that companies should build a flexible supply chain system through continuous evolution to adapt to changing market demands and enhance customer experience. This evolution allows for a more responsive and tailored approach to meet customer needs effectively.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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