US Rail Freight Sees Winter Carload Drop Amid Intermodal Growth

US Rail Freight Sees Winter Carload Drop Amid Intermodal Growth

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight in February presented a mixed picture. Carload volume plummeted 11.1% year-over-year, dragged down by declining demand for coal, building materials, and automobiles. However, container traffic bucked the trend, growing by 1.8%, demonstrating the resilience of intermodal transportation. Severe weather exacerbated the challenges for traditional freight, highlighting the impact of economic restructuring and supply chain bottlenecks. Rail freight needs to actively transform, embracing intermodal solutions and digital technologies, to achieve a resurgence.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Container Growth Offset Coal Decline

US Rail Freight Sees Container Growth Offset Coal Decline

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight performance in October was mixed. Container traffic increased year-over-year, reaching a 28-month high, driven by economic resilience and supply chain optimization. However, coal transportation declined, dragging down overall carload volume. Year-to-date figures also show a decrease in container traffic, influenced by the energy transition. The Panama Canal congestion may boost demand for rail container transport. The rail freight market faces both opportunities and challenges in the future.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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UPS Survey Highlights Healthcare Logistics Hurdles Trends

UPS Survey Highlights Healthcare Logistics Hurdles Trends

UPS's annual 'Pain in the (Supply) Chain' healthcare survey reveals that healthcare companies face multiple challenges, including global expansion, technological innovation, cost control, and regulatory compliance. The report highlights the impact of regulatory pressures on operations and the increasing importance of product protection. Reactions to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are mixed, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Navigating these complexities is crucial for healthcare organizations seeking to optimize their supply chains and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving global landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Service Sector Growth Slows in November Amid Economic Risks

US Service Sector Growth Slows in November Amid Economic Risks

The US Services PMI for November expanded for the fifth consecutive month, but the growth slowed to 52.1, falling below expectations. Significant sectoral divergence was observed, with most sectors expanding while a few contracted. Key sub-indices showed mixed signals, interpreted by experts as a return to normalcy. Geopolitical risks, policy uncertainties, and inflationary pressures pose potential risks. The outlook remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing the need to monitor structural changes within the services sector. The slowdown suggests a moderating pace of economic activity.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Air and Sea Freight Costs Surge Amid Supply Chain Shifts

Global Air and Sea Freight Costs Surge Amid Supply Chain Shifts

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of air and sea freight costs in cross-border logistics, covering basic shipping rates, additional fees, and cost-saving strategies. It aims to help international trade and cross-border e-commerce sellers budget wisely and control costs, enhancing competitiveness. By understanding the cost structure of air and sea transport, businesses can choose the best shipping option to maximize profits.

09/16/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Ustrs New Fees on Chinese Ships Stir Trade Tensions

Ustrs New Fees on Chinese Ships Stir Trade Tensions

The USTR announced a new fee policy for Chinese shipping starting in 2025, which includes charges based on the number of voyages to the U.S. and operational restrictions, aimed at addressing unfair trade practices. This policy revision is more moderate compared to the original version but will still impact the shipping market, and the varying fees faced by different carriers may lead to shifts in market dynamics.

08/06/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Freight Forwarding Basics Booking and Container Release Guide

Freight Forwarding Basics Booking and Container Release Guide

This article is designed for freight forwarding novices, explaining in detail how to arrange container loading and the concept of “container release” after receiving the shipping order confirmation. It emphasizes the importance of verifying the information on the shipping order confirmation and elaborates on the container release process and the required documents. The aim is to help beginners quickly grasp the freight forwarding operation process.

08/23/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Puntarenas Port Expands As Costa Ricas Pacific Trade Hub

Puntarenas Port Expands As Costa Ricas Pacific Trade Hub

This article, from a data analyst's perspective, provides an in-depth analysis of the geographical location, port facilities, trade characteristics, and role of Puntarenas Port in Costa Rica's maritime transport system. It covers port infrastructure, climate conditions, trade features, shipping guidelines, and future development trends. The aim is to provide readers with comprehensive and practical port information and shipping reference for Puntarenas, Costa Rica.

09/29/2025 Port Encyclopedia
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Global Trade Faces Emergency Bunker Surcharge Amid Soaring Fuel Costs

Global Trade Faces Emergency Bunker Surcharge Amid Soaring Fuel Costs

Rising fuel prices have led shipping companies to implement Emergency Bunker Surcharges (EBS), increasing transportation costs for shippers. This article analyzes the reasons behind fuel price increases, explores the impact of EBS, and proposes coping strategies for shippers. It also looks ahead to sustainable development solutions for the shipping industry, aiming to mitigate the impact of fuel price volatility and promote environmentally responsible practices in maritime transport.

11/03/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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