US Rail Freight Declines Some Sectors Show Resilience

US Rail Freight Declines Some Sectors Show Resilience

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload and intermodal traffic both declined year-over-year for the week ending February 4th. Automobiles & parts and petroleum & nonmetallic minerals showed strong performance, while coal, grain, and chemicals experienced volume decreases. Overall, North American rail performance was slightly better than the U.S. The rail freight market is in a period of transition, presenting both challenges and opportunities. The data suggests shifts in demand across different commodity sectors impacting the overall freight volume.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Stbs New Rules Aim to Ease Rail Freight Rate Disputes

Stbs New Rules Aim to Ease Rail Freight Rate Disputes

The US Surface Transportation Board (STB) has introduced two new rules to streamline railway freight rate dispute resolution, including a voluntary arbitration program and Final Offer Rate Review (FORR). However, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) strongly opposes these rules, citing “fatal flaws” in FORR and arguing the arbitration rules are “backwards.” Whether these new regulations will bring relief to shippers remains challenging, and shippers need to carefully assess the implications. The future impact of these regulations is uncertain amidst ongoing debate and potential legal challenges.

01/16/2026 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 year-over-year for the week ending January 21st, driven primarily by nonmetallic minerals, coal, and motor vehicle parts. Intermodal traffic, however, decreased compared to the same period last year. Total North American rail traffic experienced a slight decline, reflecting regional economic variations and global economic uncertainties. This data provides insights into the current state of the freight economy and its underlying trends.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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CPKC Merger Approved Transforming North American Rail Freight

CPKC Merger Approved Transforming North American Rail Freight

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has approved Canadian Pacific Railway's (CP) $31 billion acquisition of Kansas City Southern (KCS), marking a new era for North American rail freight. The merged CPKC will be the first railway connecting the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, fostering trade growth, reducing highway congestion, promoting investment and job creation, and improving transportation efficiency. This merger reshapes the North American freight landscape by creating a single-line service across the continent, offering shippers new options and enhancing competition in the rail industry.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volumes Decline AAR Reports

US Rail Freight Volumes Decline AAR Reports

U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both decreased year-over-year in the first week of March. While carloads of coal, petroleum, and motor vehicles increased, commodities like grain experienced declines. Overall, North American rail freight volume also saw a downturn. These figures are often viewed as economic indicators, reflecting the health and activity of various industries and supply chains.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Knightswift Buys US Xpress for 808M in Trucking Sector Expansion

Knightswift Buys US Xpress for 808M in Trucking Sector Expansion

Knight-Swift acquired U.S. Xpress for $808 million, aiming to expand its market share and improve profitability. The U.S. Xpress brand will be retained. This acquisition signals an acceleration of industry consolidation. Technological innovation is becoming a crucial factor for success in the evolving trucking landscape. The deal allows Knight-Swift to leverage U.S. Xpress's existing infrastructure and customer base, further solidifying its position as a leading player in the trucking industry. The integration process and realization of synergies will be key to the deal's overall success.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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6 River Systems Expands Fulfillment with Mobile Order Execution

6 River Systems Expands Fulfillment with Mobile Order Execution

6 River Systems introduces a mobile picking application, expanding picking capabilities and enabling efficient picking without the need for robots. This solution enhances warehouse operational efficiency and flexibility. The application allows for improved order fulfillment processes and optimized workflows within the warehouse environment, leading to increased productivity and reduced costs. It offers a practical and scalable solution for businesses looking to streamline their picking operations and improve overall warehouse performance.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Walmart Expands Lastmile Delivery Via Spark Driver Platform

Walmart Expands Lastmile Delivery Via Spark Driver Platform

Walmart is accelerating its last-mile delivery network expansion through the Spark Driver platform, reaching 84% of US households. This platform not only supports Walmart's own store deliveries but also empowers other businesses through the GoLocal service, capturing market share in the instant retail sector. Facing competition from rivals like Amazon, Walmart leverages its store network advantage and technological innovation to build an omnichannel retail ecosystem. This strategy aims to provide faster and more convenient delivery options for consumers, solidifying Walmart's position in the evolving retail landscape.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Labor Dispute Slows Port Efficiency in Los Angeles Long Beach

Labor Dispute Slows Port Efficiency in Los Angeles Long Beach

Labor disputes have resurfaced at the Ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, with potential operational slowdowns by the union. The PMA accuses the ILWU of hindering operations, potentially impacting the supply chain. Businesses are advised to closely monitor the situation, proactively plan, diversify risks, and optimize their supply chains to mitigate potential losses. This includes exploring alternative ports and transportation methods to reduce reliance on the affected region and ensure business continuity.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Nordstrom Rack Cuts Costs As Online Sales Decline

Nordstrom Rack Cuts Costs As Online Sales Decline

Nordstrom Rack is strategically adjusting its operations by slowing down store fulfillment and raising the threshold for free in-store pickup. These changes aim to improve inventory accuracy and boost profitability. By optimizing its supply chain and enhancing operational efficiency, Rack is committed to building a more efficient and sustainable business model. This strategic shift is designed to maintain a competitive edge in the highly competitive off-price retail market and address challenges related to inventory management in an omnichannel environment.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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