US Rail Freight Growth Offset by Carload Declines

US Rail Freight Growth Offset by Carload Declines

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a year-over-year decline in U.S. rail carloads in mid-April, though cumulative volume remains up for the year. Performance varies across sectors, with chemicals and coal shipments increasing, while grain, metals, and petroleum shipments decreased. The overall North American market experienced a downturn. Facing challenges like supply chain disruptions and rising energy prices, rail freight needs to seize opportunities for intelligent and efficient transformation.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Decline Sparks Economic Concern

US Rail Freight Decline Sparks Economic Concern

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending May 21, U.S. rail freight volume decreased by 3.7% year-over-year, and intermodal volume decreased by 4.5%. Coal and chemical product shipments increased against the trend, but grain shipments declined. Year-to-date, total rail freight volume increased slightly by 0.4%, while intermodal volume decreased by 6.8%. Economic downturn risks, supply chain bottlenecks, and industry competition are major challenges, requiring proactive corporate responses.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines in May Amid Coal Chemical Gains

US Rail Freight Declines in May Amid Coal Chemical Gains

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic declined year-over-year in late May, though coal and chemical shipments bucked the trend with gains. Year-to-date, freight traffic saw a slight increase, while intermodal continued its decline. Supply chain managers should pay attention to factors such as inflation and geopolitical risks, and strengthen demand forecasting and diversify transportation channels to mitigate potential disruptions.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic decreased by 3.7% year-over-year for the week ending May 21, while intermodal traffic fell by 4.5%. Coal and chemical shipments increased, while grain and metals declined. Year-to-date, freight traffic is up 0.4%, but intermodal traffic is down 6.8%. The decline in rail freight could signal an economic slowdown, requiring proactive responses from railway companies and increased investment from the government.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volumes Reflect Mixed Economic Signals

US Rail Freight Volumes Reflect Mixed Economic Signals

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a year-over-year decrease in U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic for the week ending August 26th. While overall figures declined, some commodity categories experienced growth in freight volume. Year-to-date data indicates a slight increase in traditional carloads, but intermodal faces challenges. Rail transport companies need to optimize operations, expand services, and embrace digitalization to seize opportunities, address challenges, and achieve transformation and upgrading.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US rail freight and intermodal volumes have decreased year-over-year, with intermodal showing a significant decline, potentially signaling a slowdown in demand. While cumulative year-to-date growth remains, caution is warranted. The industry faces both challenges and opportunities, necessitating a cautiously optimistic outlook. The sharp drop in intermodal volume is particularly concerning as it often reflects consumer spending and overall economic activity. Monitoring these trends is crucial for understanding future economic performance.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Cass Freight Index Reveals Yearend Logistics Shifts

Cass Freight Index Reveals Yearend Logistics Shifts

October's Cass Freight Index reveals year-over-year growth in freight volume and expenditures, albeit at a decelerating pace, signaling potential challenges for the logistics market toward year-end. The report analyzes key factors impacting the freight market and looks ahead to future trends driven by technology and green transformation. This provides valuable insights for logistics companies and supply chain management professionals, offering a crucial reference point for navigating the evolving landscape.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Rebound Hints at Economic Growth

US Rail Freight Rebound Hints at Economic Growth

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes both increased year-over-year for the week ending April 26. Rail freight volume rose by 9.0%, primarily driven by increased shipments of coal, grain, and chemicals. Intermodal volume grew by 2.6%. Year-to-date figures show a 1.5% increase in rail freight volume and an 8.0% increase in intermodal volume, suggesting a steady recovery in the rail freight market.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Loses in Intermodal

October 2025 US rail freight data shows a slight increase of 0.3% in carload traffic, but a 4.8% year-over-year decrease in intermodal volume. Shipments of nonmetallic minerals, metallic ores, and chemicals increased, while grain, miscellaneous, and coal shipments declined. Year-to-date, total carload traffic is up 2.0% and intermodal volume is up 3.2%. The data reflects economic structural changes and market uncertainties, requiring the rail industry to address challenges and seize opportunities.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volumes Decline in October Amid Annual Growth

US Rail Freight Volumes Decline in October Amid Annual Growth

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic declined year-over-year in late October, with mixed performance across different market segments. While year-to-date cumulative data remains positive, attention should be paid to the impact of multiple factors, including macroeconomic conditions, supply chains, and energy transition. Moving forward, it is crucial to monitor policy developments, optimize operations, and achieve sustainable growth in the rail freight sector.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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