US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 2% for the week ending September 17, with coal, nonmetallic minerals, and motor vehicles leading the gains. Intermodal traffic, however, decreased by 7.3%. Year-to-date, carload traffic is up slightly by 0.3%, while intermodal traffic is down 5.1%. Total North American rail volume also declined year-over-year. These diverging trends are influenced by various factors. Railroad companies need to proactively address challenges and seize opportunities in the future.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Automation Boosts Efficiency in Logistics Supply Chains

Automation Boosts Efficiency in Logistics Supply Chains

Traditional manually managed loading docks are inefficient, and automation offers a solution. By optimizing vehicle appointments, intelligent berth allocation, and automated gate control, operational costs can be reduced, efficiency and visibility improved, customer service enhanced, and competitiveness boosted. Embracing automation reshapes loading docks, unlocking new momentum in the supply chain.

01/30/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Volumes Rise Amid Economic Recovery Signs

US Rail Freight Volumes Rise Amid Economic Recovery Signs

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume both increased year-over-year in late April. Significant growth was observed in freight categories such as coal, motor vehicles & parts, and chemicals. Intermodal business also showed strong growth momentum. Despite challenges like supply chain bottlenecks and labor shortages, the recovery of rail transport has a positive impact on the economy. It is recommended to increase infrastructure investment and optimize supply chain management to further enhance the efficiency and reliability of rail transportation.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Slump Sparks Economic Concerns

US Rail Freight Slump Sparks Economic Concerns

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a year-over-year decline in U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes for the week ending June 24th. While carload traffic in motor vehicles and metals increased, grain and chemicals declined. The decrease in intermodal traffic narrowed, but remained below last year's levels. Year-to-date figures present a mixed picture. The drop in rail freight volume could signal economic risks, but may also reflect structural adjustments. The rail industry needs to improve services, embrace technology, and expand markets.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Growth Uneven in May Key Sectors Gain

US Rail Freight Growth Uneven in May Key Sectors Gain

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail traffic and intermodal volumes declined year-over-year in May, although commodities like crushed stone, motor vehicles, and food products experienced growth. The AAR suggests the data reflects a mixed economic picture. Overall rail traffic volumes edged up slightly in the first five months, while intermodal volumes decreased. Future rail freight development hinges on macroeconomic conditions, supply chains, geopolitical factors, and industry transformation. The performance of specific sectors highlights the nuanced nature of the current economic environment.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Carloads Up Intermodal Down

US Rail Freight Carloads Up Intermodal Down

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending July 23, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 1.1% year-over-year, while intermodal volume decreased by 2.5%. Carload gains were seen in motor vehicles, coal, and farm products, while declines occurred in metals, petroleum, and miscellaneous carloads. Total North American rail traffic decreased by 1.4% year-over-year. Rail freight data serves as a barometer of economic activity, providing insights into the current state of the economy and helping to forecast future trends.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Slows As Auto Sector Holds Steady

US Rail Freight Slows As Auto Sector Holds Steady

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic declined year-over-year in late August. While motor vehicles and parts transportation saw growth, coal and grain shipments experienced significant drops. Year-to-date rail freight volume shows slight growth, but intermodal remains weak. Analysts attribute this to economic slowdown and structural shifts. Rail companies need to actively transform, and the government should strengthen infrastructure development. This situation highlights the need for adaptation in the face of changing economic conditions and transportation demands.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines As Coal Demand Drops

US Rail Freight Declines As Coal Demand Drops

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a year-over-year decline in U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume in March, largely attributed to a significant drop in coal shipments. Despite the overall downturn, there were increases in chemical, miscellaneous carloads, and motor vehicles and parts. Railroad companies need to actively transform, diversify their businesses, and embrace technological innovation to address challenges and seize opportunities in a changing market. This requires a strategic shift away from reliance on coal and towards more resilient and growing sectors.

02/12/2026 Logistics
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TIA Blasts FMCSA Over 1B Freight Fraud Inaction

TIA Blasts FMCSA Over 1B Freight Fraud Inaction

The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) criticizes the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Broker Transparency Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for neglecting freight fraud. TIA argues the NPRM fails to address the industry issue that costs the U.S. supply chain over a billion dollars annually. TIA urges FMCSA to prioritize combating freight fraud and implement more effective measures to protect consumers and businesses. They believe the current proposal overlooks a critical vulnerability in the freight transportation system, hindering fair competition and potentially increasing costs for shippers.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Toyotas Trigen Boosts Long Beach Port with Hydrogen Power

Toyotas Trigen Boosts Long Beach Port with Hydrogen Power

Toyota Motor Corporation launched the Tri-gen renewable energy system at the Port of Long Beach, utilizing biomass gas to produce electricity, hydrogen, and water. This supports logistics operations and reduces environmental impact. This initiative is a key step in Toyota's goal of achieving carbon neutrality and plans to expand this technology across North America, promoting the development of a hydrogen energy ecosystem. The Tri-gen system demonstrates Toyota's commitment to sustainable practices and its leadership in the hydrogen energy sector by providing a cleaner energy solution.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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