US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that for the week ending July 16th, US rail freight and intermodal traffic both declined year-over-year, reflecting downward economic pressure. Performance varied across different commodity categories, and cumulative year-to-date figures are concerning. Multiple factors contribute to the decline in freight volume. The rail freight industry faces both challenges and opportunities in the future. Close monitoring and prudent responses are necessary to navigate the evolving landscape.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volumes Decline in Early May

US Rail Freight Volumes Decline in Early May

U.S. rail freight volume declined year-over-year in the first week of May, with varying performance across different categories. Year-to-date, carload traffic saw a slight increase, while intermodal traffic experienced a significant decrease. North American rail freight is facing downward pressure. The overall decline reflects potential challenges in the supply chain and broader economic activity. Monitoring these trends is crucial for understanding the health of the freight transportation sector and its impact on the wider economy.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Carload Rise Intermodal Dip in Late January

US Rail Freight Sees Carload Rise Intermodal Dip in Late January

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic presented a mixed picture in late January. Carload traffic increased year-over-year, driven by nonmetallic minerals and coal. However, intermodal traffic declined, potentially indicating weak consumer demand. Year-to-date, carload traffic has seen cumulative growth, while intermodal volume has decreased, suggesting downward pressure on the overall North American rail transport market. Key factors to watch include inflation, interest rates, geopolitical events, and the energy transition.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Slumps in May Amid Economic Uncertainty

US Rail Freight Slumps in May Amid Economic Uncertainty

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a year-over-year decline in U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes in May, reflecting a mixed economic picture. Performance varied across sectors, with some industries recovering while grain and metals shipments decreased. Year-to-date freight volumes showed slight growth, but intermodal remained weak. Factors like global economic slowdown, supply chain disruptions, and volatile energy prices impact the freight market. Future challenges require increased investment and improved efficiency.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines Midyear Amid Industry Shifts

US Rail Freight Declines Midyear Amid Industry Shifts

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates a year-over-year decline in U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume for the week ending June 25th. While sectors like chemicals and agricultural products experienced growth, coal and metals saw decreases. Year-to-date freight volume is slightly down, with a more significant drop in intermodal traffic. The rail industry needs to proactively transform by improving efficiency, expanding services, and embracing digitalization to address challenges and capitalize on future opportunities.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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North American Rail Freight Faces Challenges Amid Growth Push

North American Rail Freight Faces Challenges Amid Growth Push

Data from the Association of American Railroads show recent year-over-year declines in U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume, but cumulative year-to-date figures demonstrate resilience. Performance varies across segments, with gains in grain and nonmetallic minerals, while miscellaneous carloads, chemicals, and coal declined. Intermodal faces challenges like port congestion, but its long-term outlook remains promising. North American rail companies should actively address these challenges, seize opportunities, accelerate transformation and upgrade, and enhance competitiveness.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Container Traffic Up Coal Declines

US Rail Freight Container Traffic Up Coal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, the U.S. rail freight market showed mixed signals for the week ending October 14th. Container traffic experienced strong growth year-over-year, while traditional bulk commodities like coal continued to decline. Year-to-date figures present a mixed picture, indicating both challenges and opportunities for the rail freight market in the future. The container segment's strength is contrasted by the weakness in coal, highlighting the evolving dynamics of the industry.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volumes Drop Amid Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop Amid Economic Slowdown

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic decreased year-over-year for the week ending August 19th. While carload and coal traffic increased, grain and forest products declined. Year-to-date, total carload traffic saw a slight increase, but intermodal traffic significantly decreased. Factors contributing to this include a global economic slowdown, industry challenges, and internal railroad issues. The recovery of rail freight volume faces considerable challenges in the future.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Coal Oil Gains Amid Container Decline

US Rail Freight Sees Coal Oil Gains Amid Container Decline

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic showed mixed results for the week ending March 4th. While total carloads decreased year-over-year, shipments of commodities like coal and petroleum increased. However, container traffic experienced a significant decline, weighing down overall freight volume. Year-to-date, both U.S. and North American rail freight volumes have slightly decreased. The future trajectory remains uncertain, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the rail freight industry.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

According to the latest data from the Association of American Railroads (AAR), U.S. rail carloads saw a slight increase of 0.3% for the week ending October 18th, but the growth rate slowed. Intermodal volume decreased by 4.8% year-over-year. Year-to-date, total carloads and intermodal volume have increased by 2.0% and 3.2%, respectively. The report highlights both market opportunities and challenges, emphasizing the importance of adapting to market changes and providing valuable insights for business decision-making.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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