North American Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

North American Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

For the week ending November 8, 2025, U.S. rail carload traffic saw a slight increase of 0.1%, while intermodal units decreased by 8.7% year-over-year. Year-to-date figures show carloads and intermodal up 1.8% and 2.5% respectively, but the single-week data reflects pressures from economic slowdown, supply chain challenges, and energy transition. Rail freight needs to embrace innovation and strengthen collaboration to navigate these challenges and seize growth opportunities.

02/04/2026 Logistics
Read More
Supply Chain Executives Discuss Digital Shift at Nextgen Conference

Supply Chain Executives Discuss Digital Shift at Nextgen Conference

The 2025 NextGen Supply Chain Conference brings together 200+ industry leaders, focusing on cutting-edge technologies like AI, robotics, and digital twins to discuss supply chain resilience and sustainable development. Through case studies and high-level networking, the conference provides enterprises with strategies and opportunities for digital transformation and building efficient, resilient supply chains. Attendees will gain insights into navigating the complexities of the modern supply chain landscape and leveraging innovation for competitive advantage.

US Retail Sales Decline in Q1 Fueling Economic Worries

US Retail Sales Decline in Q1 Fueling Economic Worries

U.S. retail sales data for March was weak, declining 0.3% month-over-month and increasing 1.7% year-over-year, casting a shadow over the end of the first quarter. Slower consumer spending may drag down economic growth. Nevertheless, experts are cautiously optimistic about the retail sector's outlook, believing that innovation and adapting to consumer demands are key. The March figures suggest a potential slowdown, but the overall picture remains uncertain pending further economic indicators.

Class 8 Truck Backlog Reaches Decade High Straining Logistics

Class 8 Truck Backlog Reaches Decade High Straining Logistics

Recent data shows Class 8 truck backlogs at a decade high, highlighting logistics and supply chain bottlenecks. Multiple factors, including economic recovery, infrastructure stimulus, and e-commerce growth, are driving demand, while capacity constraints exacerbate supply-demand imbalances. Order backlogs lead to delivery delays and increased costs. Calls are being made to increase capacity, optimize supply chains, and encourage technological innovation to address the challenges and seize opportunities presented by the surge in demand.

Baiyun District Boosts RD Data Quality with Training

Baiyun District Boosts RD Data Quality with Training

Baiyun District, Guangzhou, will hold a training session on R&D investment statistics for research institutions on January 29, 2026. The aim is to improve the standardization and accuracy of R&D investment statistics within the district's research institutions. This will provide reliable data support for government decision-making and contribute to the technological innovation development of Baiyun District. The training is targeted at research institutions participating in the overall social R&D investment statistics.

Spacebased Solar Power Advances Commercial Space Energy

Spacebased Solar Power Advances Commercial Space Energy

The flourishing commercial spaceflight industry faces energy supply bottlenecks. Space solar power (SSP) re-emerges as a solution, with its core value lying in maximizing on-orbit commercial value per unit launch mass. This analysis examines the SSP industry chain, covering upstream material innovation, midstream system integration, and downstream demand. It also explores commercialization pathways and risks, highlighting that those who control the orbital energy system will command the future space economy.

Xinjiangs Foreign Trade Exceeds 500 Billion Amid Strategic Growth

Xinjiangs Foreign Trade Exceeds 500 Billion Amid Strategic Growth

In 2025, Xinjiang's total foreign trade exceeded 500 billion yuan for the first time, a year-on-year increase of 19.9%. Trade with countries participating in the "Belt and Road Initiative" saw significant growth, accounting for 36.4% of China's total trade with the five Central Asian countries. By improving logistics efficiency and institutional innovation, the Xinjiang Free Trade Zone has significantly optimized the business environment, laying a solid foundation for sustained foreign trade growth.

Chinas Outbound Firms Reshape Global Trade Dynamics

Chinas Outbound Firms Reshape Global Trade Dynamics

Huxiu launches the "2025 Overseas Benchmark" selection, aiming to recognize enterprises that are reshaping the narrative of "China's Going Global." The selection includes three awards: Leadership Award, Rising Star List, and Best Service Provider. The evaluation focuses on five core indicators: business scale, overseas capabilities, innovation, customer reputation, and sustainable development potential. Chinese enterprises and service organizations that meet the criteria are welcome to participate and jointly depict the future of global business.

WCO Advances Global Trade with Tech and Collaboration

WCO Advances Global Trade with Tech and Collaboration

The 221st/222nd sessions of the WCO Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) focused on technical innovation and cooperation. Discussions covered topics such as railway cooperation, cross-border e-commerce, and indirect tax collection. The meeting also addressed the challenges faced by Small Island Economies and highlighted emerging areas like gender equality and the future direction of customs. The PTC aims to promote global trade facilitation and security through these discussions and collaborative efforts.

Global Logistics Tackles Oversized Cargo Shipping Challenges

Global Logistics Tackles Oversized Cargo Shipping Challenges

International shipping is crucial for global transportation of overweight and oversized cargo due to its cost-effectiveness, wide coverage, and specialized expertise. Utilizing specialized containers and breakbulk/heavy-lift vessels, maritime transport safely and efficiently handles large machinery, wind turbine blades, and other bulky goods. Advance declarations, equipment matching, cargo securing, and cost-effective scheduling are key to ensuring smooth transportation. Technological innovation will further enhance maritime transport's capabilities in the oversized cargo sector.