US Rail Freight Sees Container Boom As Coal Demand Falls

US Rail Freight Sees Container Boom As Coal Demand Falls

Recent US rail freight data reveals a significant increase in container traffic driven by e-commerce growth. However, demand for traditional commodities like coal continues to decline, leading to a divergence in overall freight volumes. Year-to-date cumulative freight volume remains lower than last year. Railway companies are actively pursuing diversification and intelligent transformation strategies to address these challenges. The shift reflects broader trends in energy consumption and the evolving landscape of the transportation sector, requiring adaptation and innovation for sustained growth.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Container Volumes Rise As Traditional Cargo Slows

US Rail Freight Container Volumes Rise As Traditional Cargo Slows

The latest data from the Association of American Railroads shows a significant increase in container traffic, reaching a record high, while traditional freight volumes are mixed. Although cumulative year-to-date figures still face pressure, the industry remains confident about the future and is actively transforming and upgrading. It is embracing technological innovation to adapt to market changes. The surge in container shipments suggests a strengthening supply chain and potentially signals positive momentum in the broader economic recovery.

01/17/2026 Logistics
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US Container Imports Jump in February Easing Supply Chain Strains

US Container Imports Jump in February Easing Supply Chain Strains

A Panjiva report indicates a 6.9% year-over-year increase in U.S. container imports for February, but a 5.5% decrease compared to January. Energy imports surged while IT imports declined. Experts note a record high for a single day in February, but the full-year trend remains uncertain. Inflation, geopolitical factors, and changing consumer behavior could influence future demand, requiring flexibility from the shipping industry.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Container Imports Hit Record High As Supply Chains Improve

US Container Imports Hit Record High As Supply Chains Improve

US import data for February presents a mixed picture: a month-over-month decrease but a year-over-year increase in total volume. Record container throughput suggests easing supply chain bottlenecks. Energy imports surged, while consumer goods and industrial equipment imports rose. Raw materials and IT product imports declined. Looking ahead, challenges include inflation and geopolitical risks, but opportunities exist in economic recovery and infrastructure investment. Businesses and individuals should monitor data closely to capitalize on opportunities and navigate challenges.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Container Imports Surge in September Amid Strong China Demand

US Container Imports Surge in September Amid Strong China Demand

The Descartes report indicates a surprising 0.3% increase in U.S. container imports in September, defying typical seasonal declines, with significant contributions from Chinese imports. Long Beach and Tacoma ports led the gains, boosting the West Coast ports' market share. Businesses should closely monitor market dynamics, diversify sourcing strategies, and enhance supply chain resilience to navigate these evolving trade patterns.

01/27/2026 Logistics
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Alibaba Bans Alcohol Sales to Saudi Arabia in Compliance Move

Alibaba Bans Alcohol Sales to Saudi Arabia in Compliance Move

Alibaba.com has announced a new regulation prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages and food products to Saudi Arabia. This rule, effective February 18, 2025, is based on Saudi Arabian law and Islamic Sharia, which forbids the sale of alcohol. Merchants are advised to review existing orders and adjust their sales strategies accordingly. Alibaba.com will strengthen its monitoring and impose penalties on violators. This measure aims to ensure that platform merchants comply with Saudi Arabian laws and highlights the importance of compliant operations in cross-border e-commerce.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Ebay Sellers Adopt New Strategies to Reduce Risks Increase Sales

Ebay Sellers Adopt New Strategies to Reduce Risks Increase Sales

This article delves into the core risks in eBay marketing, including new seller limitations, cross-border logistics, platform rule biases, and compliance violations. It provides effective promotion strategies such as listing optimization, auction model utilization, the use of on-site promotion tools, and customer relationship management. The aim is to help sellers mitigate risks, increase sales, and succeed on the eBay platform. It equips sellers with the knowledge to navigate potential pitfalls and implement successful strategies for growth and profitability within the eBay marketplace.

01/04/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Distinguishing Between Free Demurrage and Free Detention

Distinguishing Between Free Demurrage and Free Detention

The concepts of free storage period and free container period are crucial in shipping. The free storage period refers to the timeframe during which containers can be stored at the terminal or yard without charge, while the free container period is the duration that the cargo owner can use the container for free. For imports, the common total of free storage and free container periods is 14 days, while for exports, it is usually 7 days.

07/18/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Busan Port to Invest 573M in New Transshipment Terminal

Busan Port to Invest 573M in New Transshipment Terminal

Busan Port plans to invest $573 million to construct a new container transshipment terminal to accommodate the growing transshipment volume. This project not only enhances Busan Port's transshipment capacity but also provides critical support for international logistics, helping to secure a more significant position in the global shipping industry supply chain.

09/16/2025 Logistics
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