US Rail Freight Mixed in May Intermodal Gains Steady

US Rail Freight Mixed in May Intermodal Gains Steady

According to the latest data from the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight volume in May remained flat year-over-year, but intermodal traffic experienced strong growth. Intermodal transportation benefits from tight trucking capacity and corporate cost reduction demands, and is expected to maintain its growth momentum. The overall rail freight market reflects economic uncertainty. The industry needs to address challenges such as energy transition and manufacturing reshoring, while actively embracing technological innovation. The growth in intermodal offsets the weakness in other rail segments.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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Mediterranean Shipping Company's Strategic Acquisitions and Shipping Development

Mediterranean Shipping Company's Strategic Acquisitions and Shipping Development

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has recently undertaken a series of ship acquisitions to strengthen its position in the shipping market. The acquisitions include a container ship built in 2001 and a bulk carrier with a capacity of 8,236 TEU. MSC also acquired a 49% stake in the Messina Group, marking its entry as a minority shareholder. These moves reflect MSC's strong commitment to its shipping business while laying a foundation for future growth.

07/22/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Air Freight Costs Drop with Mixed Light and Heavy Cargo

Air Freight Costs Drop with Mixed Light and Heavy Cargo

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of cost optimization strategies for mixing heavy and light cargo in international air freight. It emphasizes the principle of density complementarity, details key calculations before mixed loading, and offers practical recommendations. The aim is to help shippers effectively reduce air freight costs and improve profitability by leveraging the benefits of combining different cargo types to maximize space utilization and minimize overall transportation expenses. Careful planning and execution are crucial for successful implementation.

11/03/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Amazon Sellers Face Mixed Results During Black Friday Cyber Monday

Amazon Sellers Face Mixed Results During Black Friday Cyber Monday

Amazon's Black Friday Cyber Monday report reveals a stark contrast in the cross-border e-commerce landscape: leading sellers thrived while smaller businesses struggled. The report analyzes the winner-takes-all effect and the challenges faced by SMEs, proposing strategies like refined operations and differentiated competition for survival. It emphasizes the importance of a rational perspective on promotional events and advocates for a long-term approach to business development.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Faces Mixed Demand Amid Supply Chain Strains

US Rail Freight Faces Mixed Demand Amid Supply Chain Strains

The U.S. rail freight market presents a mixed picture, with overall carloads showing slight growth but intermodal volumes declining. Increases were observed in chemicals, nonmetallic minerals, and coal shipments, while grain, petroleum, and motor vehicles experienced decreases. Supply chain bottlenecks, shifting demand, and geopolitical risks pose significant challenges. Technological innovation and the green transition are crucial for future development and navigating the evolving landscape of the rail freight industry. These factors will determine the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Mixed As Carload Rises Offset Intermodal Slump

US Rail Freight Mixed As Carload Rises Offset Intermodal Slump

Recent US rail freight data shows carload traffic increased year-over-year, driven by strong demand for coal and grain. However, container traffic declined, potentially signaling a slowdown in consumer demand. While full-year data indicates overall growth, recent structural shifts warrant caution. The rail freight industry faces both opportunities and challenges, with technological innovation being crucial for future success. The decrease in container traffic may be an early indicator of a broader economic downturn, requiring careful monitoring of future trends and adjustments to strategies.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results As Carloads Intermodal Dip

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results As Carloads Intermodal Dip

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending October 25th, U.S. rail carload traffic decreased by 0.9% year-over-year, and intermodal traffic declined by 6.1%. Despite recent weakness, year-to-date carload and intermodal volumes are up 9.1% and 3.0% respectively, indicating a positive long-term trend. Looking ahead, the rail freight market faces challenges such as economic uncertainty and labor shortages, but also opportunities including infrastructure investments and a focus on sustainable development.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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North American Rail Freight Mixed As Intermodal Outperforms in July

North American Rail Freight Mixed As Intermodal Outperforms in July

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported mixed results for North American rail freight traffic for the week ending July 7. Overall freight volume saw a slight year-over-year decrease, but intermodal volume increased. Regional performance varied, with significant differences between the East and West. Automotive and petroleum product shipments showed notable growth. Businesses should optimize intermodal strategies, pay attention to regional variations and key industries, and strengthen risk management practices.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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Freight Market Braces for Weak Peak Season TD Cowen Index

Freight Market Braces for Weak Peak Season TD Cowen Index

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index indicates a mixed performance in the third quarter freight market. LTL rates increased due to Yellow's bankruptcy, while parcel shipping saw deeper discounts. Truckload remained relatively stable. A muted peak season is expected in the fourth quarter with slower growth across all segments. Logistics companies need to refine operations, improve service quality, and embrace digitalization to navigate these challenges. The index highlights the need for strategic adaptation in a dynamic market environment.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Industrial Real Estate Shows Mixed Q2 Trends in Top Markets

US Industrial Real Estate Shows Mixed Q2 Trends in Top Markets

A Colliers report highlights the current state of the top 25 US industrial real estate markets. Supply is cooling down, and while demand is temporarily declining, long-term prospects remain optimistic. Rental rate growth is slowing, and vacancy rates are increasing. High interest rates and construction costs pose significant challenges. The market outlook is cautiously optimistic, requiring attention to structural shifts and evolving dynamics.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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