US Regulators Extend Review of Rail Industry Switching Proposal

US Regulators Extend Review of Rail Industry Switching Proposal

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has extended the deadline for comments on “Reciprocal Switching,” aiming to provide rail freight customers with more options, break industry monopolies, and improve service quality. The proposed rule focuses on three performance standards: service reliability, service consistency, and local service inadequacy. It quantifies service levels to protect shipper rights and potentially reshape the U.S. rail industry landscape. The new regulations are intended to ensure fair access and promote competition within the rail network, ultimately benefiting shippers and improving overall rail service.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Declines As Intermodal Gains Offset Losses

US Rail Freight Declines As Intermodal Gains Offset Losses

The US rail freight market is showing signs of divergence. Carload volume is down year-over-year, dragged down by commodities like coal and grain. However, intermodal transportation is growing, becoming a new growth driver. Full-year cumulative data presents a mixed picture, highlighting the impact of economic conditions, energy transition, and global trade. Moving forward, rail freight needs to embrace intermodal transportation, diversified business models, technological innovation, and strengthened partnerships to adapt to market changes. This is crucial for sustained success in a dynamic logistics landscape.

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

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Up Intermodal Down

U.S. rail freight volume increased by 3.5% in May, driven by metallic ores. Intermodal transportation declined by 11.6%, leading to an overall freight volume decrease of 4.1%. The railway industry faces transformation challenges. The growth in metallic ores suggests potential strength in related industries, while the decline in intermodal transportation highlights shifts in shipping preferences or economic slowdown in certain sectors. The overall decrease in freight volume underscores the need for the railway industry to adapt to evolving market demands and explore new revenue streams.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volume Drops Prompting Business Adjustments

US Rail Freight Volume Drops Prompting Business Adjustments

Recent data indicates a year-over-year decline in U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes, though performance varies across sectors. Automotive and parts, and nonmetallic minerals, experienced growth. The North American market is generally weak, and cross-border trade faces challenges. Companies should diversify transportation modes, optimize supply chain management, monitor policy changes, and actively embrace technological innovation to identify new growth opportunities. The key is to adapt to the changing landscape and find niche areas for expansion amidst the overall downturn in rail freight volume.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Messe Mnchen Expands to US Partners with MODEX for Logistics Growth

Messe Mnchen Expands to US Partners with MODEX for Logistics Growth

Messe München brings Transportation & Logistics America's (TLA) logistics exhibition to the US, co-located with MODEX, aiming to integrate global logistics expertise with North American market demands and drive transformation in the North American logistics industry. Through strategic planning, strong alliances, and exhibition highlights, TLA will inject new vitality into the North American logistics market, promote innovative cooperation, and contribute to the industry's sustainable development. The event promises to be a key platform for networking and showcasing the latest advancements in logistics and supply chain management.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Alabama Inland Port Breaks Ground to Enhance Supply Chain

Alabama Inland Port Breaks Ground to Enhance Supply Chain

The Alabama State Port Authority is partnering with CSX Transportation to build an inland port in Montgomery, aiming to improve supply chain efficiency and boost economic growth. This project will provide a faster route for central Alabama to the Port of Mobile, reducing transportation costs and transit times. It will enhance the competitiveness of local businesses and elevate Alabama's position in the global supply chain. The inland port is expected to streamline the movement of goods and create new economic opportunities for the region.

02/12/2026 Logistics
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West Coast Port Labor Talks Progress Easing Long Beach Delays

West Coast Port Labor Talks Progress Easing Long Beach Delays

Labor negotiations on the US West Coast docks have seen a new development. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) have reached a tentative agreement on health benefits, offering hope for resolving the long-standing deadlock. However, key issues such as automation, wages, and job security remain unresolved, leaving uncertainty in the negotiation's future. The outcome of these negotiations will have a significant impact on the global supply chain and consumers, making it a situation worth monitoring closely.

01/27/2026 Logistics
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AI Enhances Customs Fraud Detection Curbing Tax Evasion

AI Enhances Customs Fraud Detection Curbing Tax Evasion

The DATE neural network model, developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), leverages a dual attention mechanism and tree-aware embedding techniques to effectively identify potential customs fraud transactions and improve inspection efficiency. Successfully piloted in Nigeria and open-sourced for use by customs administrations worldwide, this model has the potential to become a new tool in combating cross-border tax evasion. It offers a data-driven approach to detecting irregularities and enhancing risk assessment in international trade, ultimately contributing to fairer and more secure global commerce.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Service Sector Hits Threeyear Peak Amid Economic Rebound

US Service Sector Hits Threeyear Peak Amid Economic Rebound

The U.S. Services PMI surged to 63.7 in March, a three-year high, signaling accelerating economic recovery. All 18 industries reported growth, with new orders and business activity indexes reaching record highs. However, supply chain bottlenecks and inflationary pressures persist. Experts remain cautiously optimistic about the future, emphasizing that uncertainties related to the pandemic remain a key factor. The strong PMI data suggests a robust rebound in the service sector, but challenges related to supply constraints and rising prices need to be addressed for sustained growth.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Infrastructure Bill Delayed Amid Political Stalemate

US Infrastructure Bill Delayed Amid Political Stalemate

The US surface transportation authorization bill faces another extension. Experts argue that short-term extensions fail to address the core issues. The new administration needs to promptly resolve the Highway Trust Fund's funding shortfall and break the bipartisan gridlock on transportation infrastructure construction. A long-term solution is crucial for sustained economic growth and improved mobility. Failure to act decisively will further exacerbate existing infrastructure problems and hinder future development. The political will to overcome partisan divides is essential to secure a robust and reliable transportation network.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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