US Rail Freight Decline Signals Economic Concerns

US Rail Freight Decline Signals Economic Concerns

For the week ending August 12, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes both declined. Carloads of motor vehicles & parts and petroleum products increased, while grain, chemicals, and forest products decreased. Year-to-date freight volume saw a slight increase, but intermodal volume experienced a significant drop. Businesses need to assess the situation and adjust their operating strategies accordingly. The decline in intermodal volume is a notable trend impacting the overall freight landscape.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US rail freight and intermodal volumes have decreased year-over-year, with intermodal showing a significant decline, potentially signaling a slowdown in demand. While cumulative year-to-date growth remains, caution is warranted. The industry faces both challenges and opportunities, necessitating a cautiously optimistic outlook. The sharp drop in intermodal volume is particularly concerning as it often reflects consumer spending and overall economic activity. Monitoring these trends is crucial for understanding future economic performance.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rebound Hints at Economic Growth

US Rail Freight Rebound Hints at Economic Growth

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes both increased year-over-year for the week ending April 26. Rail freight volume rose by 9.0%, primarily driven by increased shipments of coal, grain, and chemicals. Intermodal volume grew by 2.6%. Year-to-date figures show a 1.5% increase in rail freight volume and an 8.0% increase in intermodal volume, suggesting a steady recovery in the rail freight market.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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West Coast Imports Surge Amid Rising Consumer Spending

West Coast Imports Surge Amid Rising Consumer Spending

North American intermodal volumes continued their growth trajectory at the start of Q4 2023, driven by surging West Coast imports and resilient consumer spending, according to IANA data. International standard container volumes experienced a significant increase, while trailer volumes declined. The intermodal market faces both challenges and opportunities moving forward, requiring continuous innovation to adapt to evolving market dynamics. The growth highlights the importance of intermodal solutions in managing increasing freight demand and port congestion.

02/04/2026 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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US Rail Freight Declines in Carloads but Gains in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Declines in Carloads but Gains in Intermodal

Recent data reveals a mixed picture for the US rail freight market. While carload volume experienced a slight year-over-year decrease, shipments of chemicals, automobiles & parts, and grain performed strongly. Intermodal transportation showed robust growth, serving as a key driver for the market's expansion. Year-to-date figures further confirm this trend, indicating a transitional period for the rail freight market. Businesses need to closely monitor market dynamics and seize emerging opportunities. Intermodal's strength suggests a shift in freight patterns and highlights its growing importance in the supply chain.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines in Carloads but Gains in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Declines in Carloads but Gains in Intermodal

For the week ending February 10, 2024, U.S. rail carload traffic decreased by 2.5%, while intermodal traffic increased by 11.1%. Year-to-date figures show a decrease of 6.4% in carloads and an increase of 6.5% in intermodal volume. These figures provide insights into the current state of freight transportation and can be used as economic indicators.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees December Surge in Carloads Intermodal Traffic

US Rail Freight Sees December Surge in Carloads Intermodal Traffic

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes both increased year-over-year in mid-December. Carload traffic saw significant growth with all ten commodity categories rising. For the full year, carload traffic slightly increased, but intermodal volume remained down compared to the previous year. Analysts attribute the year-end growth to economic resilience, energy demand, and easing supply chains. Future trends will depend on macroeconomic conditions and policy changes.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Intermodal Rises Carloads Fall Amid Economic Shifts

US Rail Freight Intermodal Rises Carloads Fall Amid Economic Shifts

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail traffic for the week ending March 16th presented a mixed picture. While automotive carloads experienced a slight year-over-year decrease, shipments of grain, chemicals, and petroleum saw growth. Intermodal container and trailer volumes showed significant year-over-year increases. The recent bridge collapse may impact logistics on the East Coast. Railroad companies need to actively transform and upgrade, expanding into emerging businesses such as intermodal transportation.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rises for Autos Coal As Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Rises for Autos Coal As Intermodal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail traffic was mixed for the week ending September 9. Carload traffic saw a slight increase driven by demand for motor vehicles, petroleum, and coal, while intermodal volume continued its decline. For the first 36 weeks of 2023, carload traffic is up 0.1%, but intermodal is down significantly by 9.0%, resulting in a total traffic decrease of 4.8% year-over-year. This reflects ongoing challenges in the U.S. freight market.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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