US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Loses in Container Volume

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Loses in Container Volume

The latest report from the Association of American Railroads reveals a mixed picture of the US rail freight market. For the week ending December 6th, carload traffic increased by 1.7% year-over-year, while container traffic decreased by 5.4%. Year-to-date figures show a 1.8% increase in both carload and container volume. The report highlights the contrasting trends within the rail freight sector, analyzes the underlying causes, and forecasts future developments. This provides valuable insights for business operations and economic development in the US.

01/17/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Data Shows Mixed October Performance

US Rail Freight Data Shows Mixed October Performance

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates a year-over-year decline in U.S. rail freight volume in late October, although some commodity categories experienced growth. Intermodal traffic saw a larger decrease. Year-to-date figures remain positive. The article analyzes contributing factors to these trends and looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities facing the rail freight industry. It examines the interplay between economic indicators and freight transportation, highlighting the impact of factors like consumer demand and supply chain dynamics on rail performance.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Port Strike Threatens Retailers Amid Surging Imports

US Port Strike Threatens Retailers Amid Surging Imports

U.S. import volume is projected to remain high due to concerns about potential strikes at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. Retailers are front-loading shipments and diverting to alternative ports. A genuine negotiation between labor and management is crucial to avoid disruptions. A strike would negatively impact the supply chain and the economy. July imports increased by 21% year-over-year, and August is expected to reach its highest level since May 2022. Full-year import volume is projected to grow by 12.3%.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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North American Intermodal Rebounds in Q4 Amid Annual Challenges

North American Intermodal Rebounds in Q4 Amid Annual Challenges

The North American intermodal market saw year-over-year growth in Q4 2023, ending a nine-quarter decline, though full-year figures remained down. Inventory reduction, economic growth, and the resolution of West Coast labor contracts were key drivers of the Q4 increase. Intermodal is expected to continue growing in 2024 but faces challenges from trucking competition and global "X factors." The recovery suggests a positive trend in the freight market, potentially linked to broader economic recovery efforts, but sustained growth depends on navigating these external pressures.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Intermodal Volumes Rebound As Domestic Containers Grow

US Intermodal Volumes Rebound As Domestic Containers Grow

US multimodal freight volume decreased by 4.0% year-over-year in September 2023, although the decline narrowed, with domestic container shipments increasing by 5.0%. Full-year cumulative data still indicates pressure due to economic slowdown, high inventory levels, and increased competition. Experts suggest the market remains weak with a muted peak season. Recommendations for businesses include focusing on the domestic market, optimizing operations, strengthening customer relationships, embracing technological innovation, and seizing opportunities to overcome challenges. The overall market remains soft and requires strategic adjustments.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Intermodal Decline Eases in September Signaling Possible Rebound

US Intermodal Decline Eases in September Signaling Possible Rebound

U.S. intermodal volume decreased by 4.0% year-over-year in September 2023, though the decline narrowed, with domestic container shipments showing growth. Economic weakness, high inventories, and truck competition are key challenges. The Intermodal Association of North America anticipates improvement in the second half of the year, but experts believe intense market competition makes recovery challenging. Intermodal transportation needs to enhance services, optimize networks, strengthen technology applications, and deepen cooperation to address challenges and seize opportunities. The market remains competitive, and the path to recovery is uncertain.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Global Supply Chain Disruptions Challenge Multimodal Transport

Global Supply Chain Disruptions Challenge Multimodal Transport

The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) reported a significant decline in intermodal volume in Q1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with total units down 6.7% year-over-year. While domestic containers saw growth, trailers and international containers experienced substantial drops. The pandemic-induced manufacturing shutdowns and decreased imports exacerbated the challenges for trailer transport. The future outlook remains uncertain, with an estimated 15% decline expected for the full year. The industry needs to proceed with caution and adapt to the evolving situation.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Trucking Hits Record Freight Volume Amid Economic Recovery Signs

US Trucking Hits Record Freight Volume Amid Economic Recovery Signs

American Trucking Associations data shows January freight volume hitting a record high, up 6.5% year-over-year, the best since 2011. Inventory replenishment and a recovering housing market are key drivers. However, fiscal challenges and market uncertainty pose potential risks. Analysts suggest focusing on the non-seasonally adjusted index and being wary of capacity risks. A cautiously optimistic outlook prevails, with attention focused on long-term trends. The strong start to the year suggests continued economic momentum, but careful monitoring of potential headwinds is crucial.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Intermodal Volume Drops in October Due to Supply Chain Issues

US Intermodal Volume Drops in October Due to Supply Chain Issues

US intermodal volume decreased by 10% year-over-year in October, significantly impacted by supply chain disruptions. While the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) remains optimistic about the full year, issues such as port congestion and labor shortages cannot be ignored. This analysis explores the reasons behind the decline in intermodal volume, discusses the challenges within the supply chain, and proposes policy recommendations and industry response strategies. It calls for collaborative efforts to address the challenges and ensure the sustainable development of the US intermodal industry.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rebounds Amid Mixed Growth Trends

US Rail Freight Rebounds Amid Mixed Growth Trends

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows US rail freight and intermodal volume increased year-over-year in March, partially due to a low base in the same period last year. Performance varied across segments, with intermodal showing strong growth. Looking ahead, challenges include the pandemic, supply chain bottlenecks, and industry restructuring. Opportunities arise from infrastructure investment, intermodal development, and technological innovation. Railroad companies need to respond proactively, and shippers should optimize their logistics strategies. The future of rail freight is intertwined with these evolving dynamics.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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