US Freight Demand Drops Sharply Fueling Recession Fears

US Freight Demand Drops Sharply Fueling Recession Fears

The Bank of America Freight Payment Index indicates a significant drop in US freight volume and spending in Q2 due to the pandemic, signaling a potential economic recession. Freight volume declined across all regions, accompanied by a decrease in expenditure. Moving forward, carriers and shippers need to be adaptable and monitor the pandemic's evolution. Improvements are expected in retail, construction, and factory supply chains. Digital transformation, diversified services, risk management, and sustainable development are crucial for freight companies to navigate these challenges.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Emerge Benchmarking Helps Shippers Optimize Freight with Data

Emerge Benchmarking Helps Shippers Optimize Freight with Data

Emerge Benchmarking leverages machine learning to provide shippers with real-time freight market insights, optimizing procurement decisions, reducing costs, and improving efficiency. By using data-driven approaches, shippers can gain a deeper understanding of market trends and make more informed freight decisions. This leads to better negotiation strategies, improved carrier selection, and ultimately, a more streamlined and cost-effective supply chain. Emerge Benchmarking empowers shippers with the knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of the freight market successfully.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Intermodal Gains Offset Carload Declines

US Rail Freight Intermodal Gains Offset Carload Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, the U.S. rail freight market showed mixed performance in the week ending July 13. Container transport experienced strong growth of 6.3%, reflecting robust consumer demand and global trade. However, traditional rail freight declined by 4.3% year-over-year, impacted by economic transition, energy structure adjustments, and increased competition. Moving forward, railway companies need to actively address these challenges and enhance their competitiveness through technological innovation and service upgrades.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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STB Cuts Fees to Ease Rail Freight Costs

STB Cuts Fees to Ease Rail Freight Costs

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) significantly reduced the filing fee for rail rate challenges from $20,000 to $350, aiming to lower the barrier for small and medium-sized businesses to seek redress. This is intended to incentivize railroads to improve service quality and reshape competition in the rail freight market. The move is expected to increase the number of complaints, pushing railroads to optimize operations. However, potential risks such as malicious complaints and retaliatory measures from railroads exist. Strengthening the regulatory system and mediation mechanisms will be crucial to address these challenges.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Surge Hints at Economic Recovery

US Rail Freight Surge Hints at Economic Recovery

U.S. rail freight volume surged to a near 15-year high, with container transport reaching a 16-year peak. This growth is fueled by the cost advantage of fuel. While metal ores experienced an increase, grain shipments saw a decline. The overall increase in rail freight points towards a potential strengthening of the economy as goods movement picks up pace. The high container volumes suggest robust international trade activity as well.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rises Hinting at Economic Rebound

US Rail Freight Rises Hinting at Economic Rebound

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume both increased year-over-year in the week ending August 30th. Chemicals and metallic ores showed strong performance, while petroleum and grain faced challenges. Key drivers include economic recovery, improved supply chains, the advantages of intermodal transportation, and infrastructure investments. The rail freight market faces both opportunities and challenges moving forward. This growth indicates positive economic trends but also highlights the varying performance across different sectors within the rail freight industry.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volumes Rebound in Early August

US Rail Freight Volumes Rebound in Early August

US rail freight and intermodal volumes both increased, driven by commodities such as grain, coal, and motor vehicles. Year-to-date cumulative growth suggests an ongoing economic recovery. The rise in rail shipments indicates increased industrial activity and consumer demand, reflecting positive momentum in the overall economy. This growth highlights the importance of rail as a key transportation mode for moving goods across the country and supporting economic expansion.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains Offset by Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Gains Offset by Intermodal Declines

U.S. rail freight data presents a mixed picture: carload traffic shows a slight increase, while intermodal container volume declines. Varying performance across different commodity categories reflects economic restructuring. Investors should pay attention to industry trends, evaluate company performance, and diversify risk to capture long-term returns in the rail freight market. The slight carload increase offers a glimmer of optimism, but the container volume drop warrants careful observation of shifting supply chains and consumer demand.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains Offset by Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Gains Offset by Intermodal Declines

For the week of October 18, 2025, U.S. rail freight showed mixed results: carloads increased slightly by 0.3%, driven by gains in nonmetallic minerals, while grain and coal declined. Intermodal volume decreased by 4.8%, possibly due to port congestion. Year-to-date figures still indicate growth. The rail industry needs to adapt to market changes, strengthen cooperation, and achieve sustainable development.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Shortterm Challenges Longterm Strength

US Rail Freight Sees Shortterm Challenges Longterm Strength

Data from the Association of American Railroads (AAR) shows a year-over-year decline in U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic for the week ending October 25th. Performance varied across sectors, with metallic ores showing strength, while automotive and coal transportation faced challenges. Despite current headwinds, rail freight demonstrates resilience in the long term. Increased infrastructure investment, adoption of advanced technologies, service expansion, strengthened collaboration, and a focus on sustainability are crucial to address challenges, seize opportunities, and contribute to U.S. economic prosperity.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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