US Rail Freight Intermodal Rises Coal Declines in February

US Rail Freight Intermodal Rises Coal Declines in February

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic decreased slightly by 0.7% year-over-year for the week ending February 8. However, intermodal traffic increased by 7.4%. Chemical and nonmetallic minerals carloads increased, while coal and metallic ores carloads declined. Year-to-date, carload traffic is even with last year, while intermodal traffic is up 9.7%. The rail freight market is experiencing structural changes, with intermodal transportation becoming a major driver of growth.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Faces Growth Challenges and Opportunities in 2025

US Rail Freight Faces Growth Challenges and Opportunities in 2025

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic decreased year-over-year for the week ending November 1st, but cumulative freight and intermodal traffic for the first 44 weeks of 2025 increased year-over-year. The report reveals specific performance across commodity categories and suggests strategic recommendations including diversified investments, strengthened supply chain management, and embracing technological innovation. These strategies aim to help businesses seize opportunities, address challenges, and succeed in the future.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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North American Intermodal Volume Falls in July Recovery Expected

North American Intermodal Volume Falls in July Recovery Expected

According to the Intermodal Association of North America, intermodal volumes in July decreased by 9.8% year-over-year, with a cumulative decrease of 9.6% for the year. Key factors include economic downturn, high inventory levels, and reduced consumer demand. The association anticipates a potential recovery in the second half of the year. Businesses should focus on monitoring the economic situation, optimizing operations, expanding services, strengthening technological innovation, and deepening collaboration to address challenges and seize opportunities.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Growth Slows Amid Economic Challenges

US Rail Freight Growth Slows Amid Economic Challenges

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a year-over-year decrease in both US rail carloads and intermodal units for the week ending December 15th. While cumulative year-to-date figures remain positive, the late-year downturn warrants attention. Key influencing factors include macroeconomic fluctuations, industry restructuring, and changes in the competitive landscape. To address these challenges and achieve sustainable development, railway companies need to increase infrastructure investment, optimize operational management, and expand diversified business ventures.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Retail Sales Rise Modestly in July Amid Steady Recovery

US Retail Sales Rise Modestly in July Amid Steady Recovery

Data from the US Department of Commerce and the National Retail Federation show that retail sales increased by 0.5% month-over-month and 4.0% year-over-year in July. Total retail sales from May to July also grew by 4.0% year-over-year, indicating a steady recovery in the US consumer market. However, future growth still faces challenges such as inflation and supply chain issues. Retailers need to be flexible and adaptable to navigate these challenges.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Amazon and Walmart Vie for Digital Retail Dominance

Amazon and Walmart Vie for Digital Retail Dominance

E-commerce giants Amazon and Walmart are actively merging online and offline channels. Amazon is expanding its physical retail presence through technological innovation, while Walmart is focusing on e-commerce to build an omnichannel retail empire. Facing market changes, Chinese sellers need to optimize their overseas expansion strategies, accurately target customer groups, and embrace omnichannel brand experiences to gain an advantage in the future retail battle. This includes adapting to new consumer behaviors and leveraging data analytics to personalize the shopping experience.

01/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Temus Rapid Growth Raises Concerns Over Pricing and Tactics

Temus Rapid Growth Raises Concerns Over Pricing and Tactics

Temu's rapid rise to the top of the US App Store shopping charts is fueled by its low-price strategy and referral programs. Despite this success, Pinduoduo's stock price plummeted, reflecting concerns in the capital market about its sustainability. Temu faces both success and challenges. Future development requires attention to user stickiness, supply chain management, and compliance issues. Furthermore, new opportunities may arise from niche markets such as Latin America and Africa. The long-term viability of Temu's model remains to be seen.

01/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Beginners Guide to Selling on Ebay in Germany

Beginners Guide to Selling on Ebay in Germany

This article provides an in-depth analysis of optimization strategies for the German eBay market. It covers key aspects such as overcoming language barriers, improving seller ratings, creating a positive shopping experience, leveraging platform rules, and implementing effective product selection strategies. The aim is to help new sellers quickly get started, seize the immense potential of the German eBay market, and achieve sales growth. It offers practical guidance for navigating the complexities and maximizing opportunities within this specific e-commerce landscape.

12/31/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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USPS to Raise Holiday Shipping Rates Temporarily in 2025

USPS to Raise Holiday Shipping Rates Temporarily in 2025

USPS plans a temporary price increase for the 2025 holiday season to address cost pressures. This move aims to narrow the gap with UPS and FedEx but may increase the burden on e-commerce sellers and consumers. E-commerce sellers need to optimize logistics plans and negotiate shipping discounts to mitigate risks. The future of USPS lies in improving efficiency, controlling costs, and expanding new business ventures. The price hike is a response to increased operational expenses during the peak holiday shopping period.

12/31/2025 Logistics
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Shopify Adds Chatgpt Fee Raising Merchant Cost Concerns

Shopify Adds Chatgpt Fee Raising Merchant Cost Concerns

Shopify merchants, take note! Integrating ChatGPT checkout will incur a 4% transaction service fee from OpenAI. This marks AI's expansion from search recommendations to actual transactions, reshaping consumer product discovery. Merchants must weigh convenience against cost, evaluate AI traffic conversion, and adapt to new industry pricing strategies and channel control adjustments. Successfully navigating these changes is crucial for gaining an edge in the AI-driven shopping era. Evaluating the ROI of AI-driven sales will be paramount for Shopify businesses.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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