US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in Early 2024

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in Early 2024

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes declined year-over-year in the first week of February, with varying performance across categories. While cumulative freight volume saw a slight increase, the decline in intermodal transportation partially offset this growth. Overall, North American rail freight volume decreased, with significant regional differences. Moving forward, railway companies need to optimize asset allocation, improve operational efficiency, expand service offerings, strengthen partnerships, embrace digitalization, and focus on sustainable development to address challenges and seize opportunities.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Carload Growth Amid Container Traffic Decline

US Rail Freight Sees Carload Growth Amid Container Traffic Decline

Recent data reveals a divergence in the US rail freight market: carload volume is increasing significantly, while container traffic is slightly declining. Coal and mineral shipments are leading the carload growth, with oil and automotive sectors facing pressure. Container transport is affected by supply chain bottlenecks and changing consumption patterns. Year-to-date, overall freight volume remains down, indicating a long road to recovery. The overall performance of North American railways is mixed. Going forward, global supply chains, consumer demand, and policy factors will collectively shape the rail freight market.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Exploring Rajin Port A Natural Harbor in North East North Korea

Exploring Rajin Port A Natural Harbor in North East North Korea

Rajin Port, located in North Hamgyong Province of North Korea, is a natural deep-water harbor that integrates various industries, including metallurgy, machinery, and shipbuilding. It serves as a fishing base and shares navigation with South Korea, indicating its potential to play a more significant role in international trade in the future.

07/24/2025 Port Encyclopedia
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Dry Bulk Shipping Sees New Solutions in Commodity Logistics

Dry Bulk Shipping Sees New Solutions in Commodity Logistics

With 32 years of industry experience and scarce dry bulk chartering resources, Tianjin Meilian International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. provides freight forwarding companies with full vessel type options from 1,500 tons to 200,000 tons, and mature routes covering West Africa, South America, and Brazil. Through the WIFFA platform, Tianjin Meilian seeks cooperation with trucking companies, customs clearance companies, and other enterprises nationwide to jointly expand the bulk logistics market and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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 Association of American Railroads, U.S. carload traffic increased by 0.6% for the week ending June 10, while intermodal traffic decreased by 11.2%. Overall, North American rail freight is experiencing a decline. A diversified approach is needed to address these shifts in the market.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Decline Signals Economic Worries

US Rail Freight Decline Signals Economic Worries

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic experienced a significant year-over-year decline in the third week of January, with coal, nonmetallic minerals, and grain showing the largest decreases. Overall North American freight volume also trended downward. Potential contributing factors include economic slowdown, supply chain disruptions, and energy transition. To address these challenges, railway companies need to improve operational efficiency, diversify services, invest in infrastructure, and strengthen partnerships.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carloads increased by 1.1% for the week ending March 19, primarily driven by coal and chemical shipments, while intermodal traffic decreased by 5.7%. Year-to-date, carloads are up 3%, but intermodal volume is down 7.1%. Overall, North American rail freight volume is declining. This data provides insights into the current state of the freight transportation sector and serves as an economic indicator.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

The US rail freight market is diverging: carload traffic is up slightly, driven by demand for autos, coal, and agricultural products. However, intermodal container volume continues to decline due to easing port congestion, truck competition, and cooling consumer spending. Year-to-date figures are mixed, with overall North American rail performance weak. Rail freight faces challenges including economic downturns, supply chain instability, and increased competition, but also opportunities in sustainable development and technological innovation.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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North American Class 8 Truck Orders Drop Sharply Amid Demand Slowdown

North American Class 8 Truck Orders Drop Sharply Amid Demand Slowdown

North American Class 8 truck orders experienced a significant decline in November, raising concerns about demand exhaustion and a potential market inflection point. The report analyzes the reasons behind the order decrease, including early release of demand, economic environment, freight rates, policies and regulations, and technological changes. Despite these challenges, the US economic recovery and growing freight demand continue to provide support for the market. Close attention should be paid to future market dynamics.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines in February Raising Economic Worries

US Rail Freight Declines in February Raising Economic Worries

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both declined year-over-year for the week ending February 4th. While shipments of commodities like motor vehicles and petroleum increased, coal and grain volumes decreased. Overall, North American rail performance was weak, reflecting regional economic linkages and global economic downturn risks. The decline in freight volume may signal a potential economic slowdown and challenges for the supply chain.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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