US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Containers Fall

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Containers Fall

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a divergence in US rail freight volume in late January. Carload traffic increased by 3.3% year-over-year, driven by nonmetallic minerals, coal, and automotive industries. However, container transport decreased by 6.7% year-over-year, potentially due to shifts in consumer spending and supply chain adjustments. Overall freight volume in North America exhibited a similar trend. The increase in carload was enough to offset the container decrease, showing resilience in certain sectors of the rail freight market.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Boot Barn Opens Kansas City Hub to Expand Eastern Reach

Boot Barn Opens Kansas City Hub to Expand Eastern Reach

Boot Barn has activated a distribution center in Kansas City to serve eastern markets and alleviate pressure on its California warehouse. This move is a key component of its expansion strategy, aiming to optimize its logistics network, improve operational efficiency, and lay the foundation for future sustained growth. The article delves into the success factors of Boot Barn's expansion strategy and provides valuable insights for the retail industry. By strategically expanding its distribution capabilities, Boot Barn is positioning itself for continued success in a competitive market.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Industrial Real Estate Surges As Supply Chains Shift Regionally

Industrial Real Estate Surges As Supply Chains Shift Regionally

A CBRE report reveals a trend of supply chain diversification as companies reduce reliance on China, adopting a “China+1” strategy and regional distribution models. This reshapes trade patterns, benefiting Southeast Asia and Europe. Nearshoring presents opportunities, potentially making Mexico a winner. Industrial real estate demand is increasing, with site selection, operational efficiency, and technological innovation becoming crucial factors for success. The shift reflects a broader effort to build more resilient and geographically diverse supply chains in response to geopolitical uncertainties and evolving market dynamics.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Retailers Adopt Omnichannel Order Systems to Boost Efficiency

Retailers Adopt Omnichannel Order Systems to Boost Efficiency

This article delves into the crucial role of Order Management Systems (OMS) in omnichannel retail, highlighting their importance for revenue growth, inventory optimization, and customer experience. It emphasizes the significance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) in the OMS selection process, providing key considerations for choosing an OMS vendor. The aim is to help businesses select the most suitable OMS for their specific needs, thereby accelerating value realization and enhancing market competitiveness. The article provides practical guidance on crafting an effective RFP and evaluating potential vendors.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Logistics Firms Adapt Real Estate Strategy Amid Supply Chain Shifts

Logistics Firms Adapt Real Estate Strategy Amid Supply Chain Shifts

A Prologis report reveals how supply chain evolution is reshaping the logistics real estate landscape, emphasizing service levels as a driver of revenue growth. The report analyzes three key trends: long-term supply chain evolution, supply and demand dynamics, and future direction, with a particularly positive outlook for 'last mile' delivery, urban distribution, gateway markets, and multi-market properties. The report highlights the critical importance of location strategy for business success, emphasizing the need to define requirements, analyze markets, assess risks, and adapt flexibly.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Supply Chains Adapt to Rising Delivery Demands

Supply Chains Adapt to Rising Delivery Demands

A Project44 report highlights the profound impact of the "Delivery Economy" on supply chains, emphasizing consumers' increasing focus on delivery experiences. The report reveals a perception gap between management and executives regarding the importance of delivery. It stresses the need for transparent communication and collaboration. Businesses must replace outdated processes and invest in new technologies to meet evolving customer expectations. Failure to do so risks losing market share and customer satisfaction. Adapting to the delivery economy is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and ensuring a positive customer journey.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Carrefours Blockchain Adoption Boosts Sales

Carrefours Blockchain Adoption Boosts Sales

Carrefour has improved supply chain transparency for select meat, milk, and fruit products by implementing blockchain technology. Consumers can trace product origins by scanning a QR code. This initiative has significantly boosted sales of these products, particularly in the Chinese market. Partnering with IBM, Carrefour plans to expand blockchain technology to more product categories to meet consumer demand for transparent and sustainable products, ultimately enhancing brand loyalty. The implementation demonstrates a successful application of blockchain in retail, enhancing consumer trust and driving sales growth.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Crops Focuses on Supply Chain Resilience Amid Shipping Volatility

Crops Focuses on Supply Chain Resilience Amid Shipping Volatility

Under the leadership of Mary McNelly, Global Logistics Director, Crocs Inc. adjusted its ocean freight contract strategy, prioritizing capacity redundancy over cost optimization to navigate market uncertainties. By diversifying its carrier portfolio, implementing flexible contract terms, and leveraging innovative tools, Crocs aims to build a more resilient supply chain, ensuring business continuity and growth. This case highlights the importance of supply chain resilience for corporate competitiveness in turbulent markets. This proactive approach allows Crocs to better respond to disruptions and maintain a steady flow of goods.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Temu Expands UK Ecommerce Access for Solo Sellers

Temu Expands UK Ecommerce Access for Solo Sellers

Temu simplifies e-commerce operations in the UK, empowering individual sellers to easily manage stores and achieve growth. The platform's algorithm prioritizes products, rewarding quality goods, reasonable pricing, fast shipping, and good service with increased visibility. This article details the practical steps for individual sellers to join and operate on Temu, highlighting key risks and considerations. It serves as a valuable guide for individual sellers looking to enter the UK e-commerce market, providing practical insights and operational guidance to navigate the platform effectively.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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MIQ Logistics Acquires TLC to Strengthen European Retail Supply Chains

MIQ Logistics Acquires TLC to Strengthen European Retail Supply Chains

MIQ Logistics has significantly enhanced its retail supply chain capabilities in the UK and Europe through the acquisition of TLC Ltd. This acquisition not only expands MIQ's warehousing and distribution network but, more importantly, elevates its specialized service level in the high-end fashion sector. This allows MIQ to offer more comprehensive end-to-end solutions for retail clients, solidifying its strategic position in the European market. The move strengthens MIQ's ability to provide tailored logistics solutions, particularly for businesses requiring specialized handling and distribution.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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