US Rail Freight Growth Uneven As Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

US Rail Freight Growth Uneven As Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

The latest US rail freight data reveals a year-over-year increase in carload traffic, driven by strong demand for nonmetallic minerals, coal, and motor vehicle parts. However, intermodal container and trailer volumes declined year-over-year, reflecting easing supply chain bottlenecks and cooling consumer demand. Overall North American rail freight volumes show a similar diverging trend. Moving forward, railway companies need to improve operational efficiency and expand their business areas to address challenges and seize opportunities.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Furniture Industry Adopts Diversified Sourcing for Resilience

Furniture Industry Adopts Diversified Sourcing for Resilience

Supply chain resilience has gained significant attention in the post-pandemic era. Multi-sourcing strategies in the furniture industry, which aim to reduce reliance on single suppliers, may enhance supply chain stability. Flexport data indicates that some companies are willing to pay a premium for sourcing furniture from Vietnam, or from both China and Vietnam simultaneously. However, whether this trend represents a strategic shift or a temporary expedient remains to be seen and requires further observation.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Services Sector Growth Hits Near Oneyear High in February

US Services Sector Growth Hits Near Oneyear High in February

The U.S. ISM Non-Manufacturing NMI index surged to 59.7 in February, a near one-year high, marking the 109th consecutive month of growth. This data, released by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), signals a robust expansion in U.S. non-manufacturing activity. This positive trend may alleviate concerns about a potential economic slowdown and provide sustained momentum for the overall economy. The significant increase suggests continued strength in the services sector, a key driver of U.S. economic growth.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Silver Prices Drop After Trump Halts Mineral Tariffs

Silver Prices Drop After Trump Halts Mineral Tariffs

The Trump administration's suspension of tariffs on key minerals, including silver, has triggered significant volatility in silver prices. Despite this short-term volatility, analysts maintain a moderately bullish outlook for silver in the medium term, supported by factors such as supply, demand, and gold prices. Investors should closely monitor policy changes related to tariffs and their potential impact on the silver market. The suspension created immediate price fluctuations, but broader economic factors are expected to influence the overall trend.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Intermodal Volume Fluctuates in August Amid Economic Pressures

US Intermodal Volume Fluctuates in August Amid Economic Pressures

US intermodal volume saw a slight rebound in August, but with significant structural divergence: truckload transportation continued to shrink, while domestic container volume bucked the trend and increased. Year-to-date overall intermodal volume is down, with inflation and fuel prices having a complex impact. Going forward, refined operations and diversified services are crucial for the development of intermodal companies. This requires a strategic approach to adapt to evolving market demands and optimize resource utilization for sustained growth.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Freight Market Surge Signals Economic Rebound in February

Freight Market Surge Signals Economic Rebound in February

The Cass Freight Index indicates positive growth in February. Shipment volume increased by 4.1% year-over-year and 1.8% month-over-month. Expenditures rose even more significantly, with a 16.9% year-over-year increase and a 2.0% month-over-month gain. These figures suggest a steady expansion in the freight market, potentially laying a solid foundation for overall economic growth throughout the year. This positive trend in freight activity could be interpreted as a favorable economic signal.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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US Services Sector Maintains Growth Despite Economic Headwinds

US Services Sector Maintains Growth Despite Economic Headwinds

The latest ISM report indicates that the non-manufacturing index, although slightly down from July, maintained solid growth in August, signaling a continued positive long-term trend. The report highlights short-term pullbacks and long-term growth potential in key indicators such as business activity, new orders, and employment. It also emphasizes potential risks like global economic volatility and inventory management. Businesses should remain optimistic, adapt flexibly, optimize management, seize opportunities, and embrace challenges to achieve sustainable growth.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Automation Transforms Logistics Real Estate As Ecommerce Grows

Automation Transforms Logistics Real Estate As Ecommerce Grows

A Prologis report reveals that the pandemic, technological advancements, and e-commerce growth are driving logistics automation. Despite initial high costs and limited flexibility, automation is becoming a trend, particularly in e-commerce fulfillment. Automation will reshape logistics real estate demand, helping companies improve efficiency, optimize site selection, and build more resilient supply chains. It's crucial for businesses to adapt to these changes to remain competitive in the evolving landscape of logistics and supply chain management.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Regional Manufacturing Boosts Global Supply Chain Resilience

Regional Manufacturing Boosts Global Supply Chain Resilience

Global supply chains are undergoing profound changes, with the rise of regional manufacturing as a new trend. Companies need to reassess their supply chain strategies, increase investment in digital transformation, strengthen cooperation with local partners, and cultivate localized talent. This will allow them to seize the new opportunities brought by regional manufacturing and build a more robust, flexible, and intelligent supply chain system. By doing so, they can gain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Mexico Emerges As Key Hub in Global Supply Chain Shift

Mexico Emerges As Key Hub in Global Supply Chain Shift

Moody's Analytics analyst Alfredo Coutino provides an in-depth analysis of the nearshoring trend, examining its driving forces, Mexico's unique advantages, and potential benefits and challenges. He emphasizes the need for companies to comprehensively assess risks, select suitable partners, establish effective communication mechanisms, and enhance employee training to capitalize on nearshoring opportunities and gain a competitive edge in the global supply chain reshaping. Coutino highlights the importance of a strategic approach to successfully navigate this evolving landscape.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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