US Rail Freight Rises in Early August on Carload Intermodal Growth

US Rail Freight Rises in Early August on Carload Intermodal Growth

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight continued to grow in the week ending August 9th, with carload traffic up 2.4% year-over-year and intermodal traffic up 3.4%. Year-to-date figures show a 2.8% increase in total carloads and a 4.6% increase in total intermodal volume. This growth in rail freight reflects the overall economic recovery in the United States. However, the industry faces challenges related to infrastructure and competition.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volumes Reflect Uneven Recovery Trends

US Rail Freight Volumes Reflect Uneven Recovery Trends

The Association of American Railroads reported that U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both increased year-over-year for the week ending August 30th. Chemicals and metallic ores showed strong performance, while petroleum and grain declined. Year-to-date figures indicate overall growth in both rail freight and intermodal volume. Key drivers include economic recovery and infrastructure investments. However, attention should be paid to geopolitical risks such as inflation and labor shortages.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Intermodal Volumes Decline in Late September

US Rail Freight Intermodal Volumes Decline in Late September

For the week ending September 20, 2025, US rail freight volume decreased by 1.8% year-over-year, and intermodal volume decreased by 2.5%. Grain and metallic ores shipments increased, while coal, miscellaneous carloads, and nonmetallic minerals declined. Despite the recent downturn, year-to-date rail freight volume is up 2.2%, and intermodal volume is up 3.6% compared to 2024. Macroeconomic conditions, industry-specific factors, and supply chain issues can all influence rail transport volumes.

02/04/2026 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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US Container Imports Stabilize in June Amid Trade Uncertainties

US Container Imports Stabilize in June Amid Trade Uncertainties

A Descartes report indicates a slight month-over-month increase in U.S. container imports for June, but a year-over-year decrease persists. China's import share has fallen to a four-year low, while West Coast ports are recovering. Trade policy shifts introduce uncertainty, requiring businesses to diversify sourcing and strengthen supply chain resilience to navigate these challenges. Companies need to adapt to the changing global trade landscape to mitigate risks and maintain operational efficiency.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Decline Points to Yearend Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Yearend Economic Slowdown

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates that U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic decreased year-over-year for the week ending December 15th, but cumulative volumes remain slightly up for the year. Detailed data reveals varied performance across different commodity categories, reflecting structural market adjustments. Railroad companies need to pay attention to macroeconomic factors, supply chains, and the energy transition to actively address challenges, embrace change, and achieve sustainable development.

12/19/2025 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Auto Petroleum Up As Coal Declines

US Rail Freight Auto Petroleum Up As Coal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic decreased by 7.9% year-over-year for the week ending May 9, while intermodal traffic increased by 3.8%, showing a diverging trend. Shipments of motor vehicles & parts and petroleum products increased, while coal shipments decreased significantly. Year-to-date, rail freight traffic is down 1.8%, and intermodal traffic is up 1.7%. Rail freight companies need to actively transform and expand their intermodal transportation business.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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West Coast Ports Secure Sixyear Labor Deal Averting Disruption

West Coast Ports Secure Sixyear Labor Deal Averting Disruption

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) reached an agreement on a new six-year contract, ending 13 months of negotiations. The agreement covers key aspects such as wages, benefits, and job security, which is significant for stabilizing US West Coast port operations, alleviating global supply chain pressures, and promoting economic growth. Despite challenges related to automation and geopolitics, the contract's conclusion lays a foundation for future development.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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Cargolux Expands Xianeurope Air Cargo Routes

Cargolux Expands Xianeurope Air Cargo Routes

Cainiao Smart Logistics continues to increase its investment in Xi'an Airport, launching four new European cargo routes with a planned 366 flights annually. This is expected to handle over 15,000 tons of international air cargo per year. Through increased flights, establishing local operations, and continuous investment, Cainiao Smart Logistics is helping Xi'an build an international air hub, promoting Shaanxi's export-oriented economy, and sharing in the development opportunities of the Belt and Road Initiative.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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Jetstar Airways Launches Direct Flights Between China and Australia to Attract Tourists

Jetstar Airways Launches Direct Flights Between China and Australia to Attract Tourists

Jetstar Airlines announced the launch of direct flights between China and Australia by the end of the year, aiming to attract more Chinese tourists and enhance economic exchange and personnel interactions between the two countries. The airline plans to offer 35 weekly flights, focusing on the second and third-tier city markets. With the increase in outbound tourism from China, this new route could present Australia with the opportunity to welcome 8 million Chinese tourists.

07/28/2025 Logistics
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