US Rail Freight Shifts Intermodal Rises As Coal Declines

US Rail Freight Shifts Intermodal Rises As Coal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight performance in the first two weeks of January was mixed. Intermodal traffic increased by 11.6% year-over-year, driven by e-commerce and supply chain optimization. Traditional carloads decreased by 1.8% year-over-year, with a significant decline in coal shipments, reflecting the energy transition. Rail operators need to adjust their strategies and pay attention to market changes. Policymakers should support railway infrastructure development to promote intermodal transportation.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Trucking Industry Stays Resilient As Freight Rates Boost Profits

Trucking Industry Stays Resilient As Freight Rates Boost Profits

Recent FTR data shows that despite a pullback in the Trucking Conditions Index, rising rates continue to support the freight market, maintaining a strong overall environment. It is recommended to seize opportunities, optimize operations, and achieve profitable growth. The sustained rate increases provide a buffer against potential economic headwinds, making strategic planning and efficient execution crucial for maximizing profitability in the current market conditions. Focus on leveraging technology and building strong customer relationships to capitalize on these opportunities.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Old Dominion Freight Line Posts Strong Growth Amid Expansion

Old Dominion Freight Line Posts Strong Growth Amid Expansion

Old Dominion Freight Line reported solid growth in February despite severe weather, with a 9.2% year-over-year increase in daily revenue, driven by increased LTL freight volume and improved service. The company is actively expanding its service network and enhancing operational efficiency, expressing confidence in future development. The article analyzes the drivers of this growth, the company's strategic positioning, and offers a perspective on the evolving landscape of the LTL transportation market.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Fedex Freight Adapts to Ecommerce Boom Amid Spring Demand

Fedex Freight Adapts to Ecommerce Boom Amid Spring Demand

FedEx Freight Direct, a specialized service focusing on the 'last mile' delivery of oversized goods, actively addresses the peak season of e-commerce oversized item delivery, like 'spring yards', through a customer-centric design, flexible operational strategies, and robust network support. The service continuously optimizes its delivery model to meet the growing expectations of consumers and maintain a leading position in a highly competitive market. This commitment to improvement ensures efficient and reliable delivery of large items directly to customers' homes.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Trucking Industry Struggles with Capacity As Freight Rates Soar

Trucking Industry Struggles with Capacity As Freight Rates Soar

The trucking market is experiencing a persistent capacity crunch and soaring freight rates, driven by surging consumer demand, port congestion, and a shortage of drivers. Carriers hold significant bargaining power, putting pressure on shippers' costs. This article analyzes the current market situation, underlying causes, and future trends. It also provides sales professionals with strategies to navigate these challenges, aiming to help them seize opportunities and succeed in the future. The analysis offers insights into adapting to the evolving landscape and securing a competitive advantage amidst market volatility.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Ocean Freight Rates Volatility Driven by Market Forces

Global Ocean Freight Rates Volatility Driven by Market Forces

International shipping costs fluctuate due to various factors including supply and demand, operating costs, geopolitics, and port efficiency. Capacity shortages, rising costs, geopolitical conflicts, port congestion, and digital pricing all contribute to the rollercoaster-like fluctuations in shipping rates. Exporters and importers need to closely monitor market dynamics and respond flexibly to these changes. Understanding these underlying drivers is crucial for mitigating risks and optimizing supply chain strategies in the face of unpredictable market conditions.

01/15/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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US Rail Freight Slump Hides Longterm Growth AAR Report

US Rail Freight Slump Hides Longterm Growth AAR Report

Recent data from the Association of American Railroads (AAR) shows a short-term year-over-year decline in rail freight and intermodal volumes, but cumulative year-to-date figures remain positive. Performance varies across market segments, with significant potential in intermodal transportation. Rail freight faces challenges like truck competition and labor shortages, but also benefits from economic growth and technological innovation. Moving forward, railway companies need to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and expand services, embracing change to achieve sustainable growth.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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CH Robinson Waymo Via Partner on Autonomous Freight Tech

CH Robinson Waymo Via Partner on Autonomous Freight Tech

C.H. Robinson partnered with Waymo Via to test the application of autonomous trucks in logistics on the Dallas-Houston route. This collaboration aims to improve efficiency and address capacity challenges within the freight transportation sector. The pilot program explores how self-driving technology can optimize supply chains and contribute to more streamlined and reliable freight movement. The partnership highlights the growing interest in leveraging automation to enhance logistics operations and solve industry-wide issues related to driver shortages and increasing demand.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Freight Index Predicts Weaker Peak Season As Markets Diverge

Freight Index Predicts Weaker Peak Season As Markets Diverge

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index report predicts a potentially weak peak season this year. Overcapacity in truckload is putting pressure on pricing, while the less-than-truckload (LTL) market shows steady progress. The parcel market is driven by e-commerce promotions but faces intense competition. Businesses should take a rational view of market changes and optimize their supply chain strategies. The report suggests that companies need to be prepared for a less robust peak season than in previous years and adjust their expectations accordingly.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Project44 Mcleod Software Integrate Apis for LTL Freight Connectivity

Project44 Mcleod Software Integrate Apis for LTL Freight Connectivity

Project44 collaborates with McLeod to connect LTL freight via API, automating quoting and tracking, thereby enhancing efficiency and transparency. This partnership empowers logistics companies by providing real-time visibility and streamlined processes, ultimately driving growth and improving customer satisfaction. The API connectivity facilitates seamless data exchange between systems, enabling better decision-making and improved operational performance for LTL carriers and shippers alike. This integration represents a significant step towards a more digitized and connected logistics ecosystem.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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