US Rail Freight Sees Carload Drop Intermodal Rise

US Rail Freight Sees Carload Drop Intermodal Rise

Data from the Association of American Railroads reveals a divergence in the U.S. rail freight market for the week of August 8th. Traditional carload traffic plummeted 15.6% year-over-year, with only grain shipments showing growth. Conversely, intermodal container and trailer traffic increased by 1.9%. Year-to-date figures also indicate a smaller decline in intermodal volume compared to carload. This reflects the transformation of the U.S. economic structure, changing consumption patterns, and the influence of global trade. Railroad companies need to actively innovate and transform to adapt to the evolving market.

01/20/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volumes

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volumes

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates mixed performance for U.S. rail freight for the week ending December 6th. Carload traffic increased year-over-year, driven by demand for commodities like coal and grain. However, container traffic declined compared to the previous year, reflecting challenges in global trade. Cumulative data for the first 49 weeks of 2025 shows overall freight volume growth. However, caution is advised regarding the potential impact of future economic uncertainties on rail freight performance. The container decline warrants attention as a potential leading indicator.

01/17/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Sees Carload Drop Intermodal Rise

US Rail Freight Sees Carload Drop Intermodal Rise

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a decline in rail freight carloads, but an increase in intermodal volume. The rise of e-commerce, supply chain reshaping, growing environmental awareness, and technological innovation are driving factors behind this growth. Rail freight companies should increase investment in intermodal infrastructure, expand service offerings, strengthen partnerships, leverage technological innovation to improve operational efficiency, and focus on sustainable development. By embracing these strategies and capitalizing on the opportunities presented by intermodal transportation, rail companies can successfully navigate the evolving landscape and transform their businesses.

01/21/2026 Logistics
Read More
Logistics Firms Prepare for Hurricane Helene Key Business Steps

Logistics Firms Prepare for Hurricane Helene Key Business Steps

As Hurricane Helene approaches, ALAN (American Logistics Aid Network) has released a guide for logistics companies on how to respond. The guide emphasizes safety first, timely information gathering, connecting with needs, mobilizing resources, and standardizing actions. It encourages donation to support relief efforts. Logistics companies are urged to prioritize the well-being of their employees and the affected communities while ensuring the efficient delivery of aid. The ALAN guide provides practical advice and best practices for navigating the challenges posed by the hurricane and contributing to a coordinated and effective response.

01/21/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Trucking Industry Proves Resilient Amid Economic Shifts

US Trucking Industry Proves Resilient Amid Economic Shifts

The Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) in the United States serves as a crucial indicator for assessing the health of the trucking industry. The recent sustained increase in the TCI signals robust growth within the sector. This analysis delves into the TCI data, underlying drivers, future outlook, and potential risks. It also proposes strategies for navigating the evolving landscape. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the American trucking industry's development and offer valuable insights for industry stakeholders. This analysis serves as a reference for related practitioners.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
ATA Challenges Fmcsas Hoursofservice Rule Interpretation

ATA Challenges Fmcsas Hoursofservice Rule Interpretation

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has accused the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of misinterpreting a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, fueling the ongoing debate surrounding Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules. The GAO report recommended that the FMCSA enhance data collection and research efforts to effectively evaluate the effectiveness of the current HOS regulations. This recommendation aims to provide a more robust basis for future rule-making and ensure that safety regulations are data-driven and effectively address the issue of fatigued driving in the trucking industry.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Infrastructure Crisis Can 1 Trillion Plan Spur Recovery

US Infrastructure Crisis Can 1 Trillion Plan Spur Recovery

The trillion-dollar infrastructure plan proposed by the Trump administration has seen little progress, drawing widespread attention. Experts urge focusing on key areas and addressing financing issues through public-private partnerships. The new Secretary of Transportation emphasizes the necessity of reform, but bipartisan disagreement persists in Congress regarding funding sources. The path to upgrading American infrastructure faces both challenges and opportunities. The lack of concrete action raises concerns about its potential impact on economic growth and competitiveness. Finding common ground on funding mechanisms is crucial for moving forward.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
ALAN Releases Hurricane Ida Supply Chain Response Guide

ALAN Releases Hurricane Ida Supply Chain Response Guide

The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) issued a supply chain emergency response guide for Hurricane Ida, emphasizing pre-disaster preparedness. Key areas include risk assessment, personnel safety, facility protection, inventory management, and information sharing. ALAN provides resources like a Supply Chain Intelligence Center and a disaster micro-site to help businesses cope with disasters. The guide recommends establishing emergency response mechanisms, enhancing supply chain visibility, and implementing multi-source procurement strategies to improve supply chain resilience. Proactive planning is crucial for mitigating disruptions and ensuring business continuity in the face of natural disasters.

01/26/2026 Logistics
Read More
Spain and Latin America Boost Auto Parts Export Strategies

Spain and Latin America Boost Auto Parts Export Strategies

This article delves into export strategies for auto parts, specifically vacuum boosters, to Spain and the Latin American market. It covers the selection of international express delivery services, cost control measures, recommended B2B platforms (Alibaba, AliExpress, and Gaishi Auto), and market opportunity analysis. The emphasis is on data-driven decision-making to assist auto parts companies in expanding their overseas markets. The analysis aims to provide actionable insights for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of international trade and capitalize on the growing demand for auto parts in these regions.

01/26/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
Read More
Trucking Industry Sees Rising Driver Turnover in 2024

Trucking Industry Sees Rising Driver Turnover in 2024

American Trucking Associations (ATA) data reveals an increase in driver turnover rate for large truckload fleets in the first quarter of this year, ending a brief period of decline. This marks the fifth increase in the last six quarters, raising concerns about a potential resurgence of the driver shortage issue within the industry. High turnover rates contribute to increased operational costs for companies and may negatively impact transportation efficiency and service quality. Monitoring and addressing the factors contributing to driver turnover are crucial for maintaining a stable and effective trucking workforce.

01/28/2026 Logistics
Read More