North American Rail Freight Volumes Drop Amid Demand Slowdown

North American Rail Freight Volumes Drop Amid Demand Slowdown

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a year-over-year decline in U.S. and North American rail freight volume for the week ending May 14. The analysis explores the reasons behind the decrease in carload and intermodal traffic, including economic fluctuations, supply chain bottlenecks, and the energy transition. It also looks at the challenges and opportunities facing the rail freight market, emphasizing the importance of technological innovation, diversified services, and sustainable development. The future of rail freight depends on adapting to these changing dynamics.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
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
Read More
North American Intermodal Volume Declines Amid Supply Chain Challenges

North American Intermodal Volume Declines Amid Supply Chain Challenges

The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) reported a first decline in North American intermodal volumes in five years during Q3, impacted by supply chain disruptions and weather events. While the year-to-date volume for the first nine months still shows growth, challenges and opportunities persist. Collaborative efforts are needed to strengthen infrastructure, optimize networks, increase labor availability, improve equipment utilization, and promote digitalization. These actions are crucial for reshaping supply chain resilience in the face of ongoing uncertainties and fostering future growth in the intermodal sector.

01/27/2026 Logistics
Read More
North American Intermodal Growth Rises on Domestic Container Demand

North American Intermodal Growth Rises on Domestic Container Demand

The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) reports a 4.5% year-over-year increase in North American intermodal volume in Q1, with domestic container shipments leading the growth. Lower fuel costs, improved service, and railway investments are key drivers. Experts note that transloading and base effects also contribute. International container growth exceeded expectations, while trailer volume decline narrowed. Intermodal marketing companies saw revenue growth despite lower loadings. The outlook for the intermodal market is positive, suggesting opportunities for businesses to capitalize on the momentum.

01/29/2026 Logistics
Read More
Kenco Acquires Drexel Industries to Expand North American Presence

Kenco Acquires Drexel Industries to Expand North American Presence

US 3PL giant Kenco strategically acquired Canada's Drexel I, aiming to expand its North American logistics footprint and penetrate the Canadian market. By integrating Drexel's local advantages with Kenco's automation technology, the acquisition enhances service capabilities to address intensifying market competition and provide customers with more efficient logistics solutions. This acquisition signals a new shift in the North American logistics market and warrants attention.

01/30/2026 Logistics
Read More
Kenco Acquires Drexel Industries to Expand North American Presence

Kenco Acquires Drexel Industries to Expand North American Presence

Kenco's strategic acquisition of Drexel Industries' 3PL business signifies its expansion in Canada and North America. This acquisition not only increases warehousing space and geographical reach but also integrates the strengths of both companies in technology, market knowledge, and service offerings. The move aims to provide customers with more efficient and comprehensive logistics solutions, solidifying Kenco's position as a leading 3PL provider. The acquisition is expected to enhance Kenco's capabilities in serving a wider range of industries and optimizing supply chain operations for its clients.

01/30/2026 Logistics
Read More
North American Intermodal Transport Seeks Growth Amid Domestic Demand

North American Intermodal Transport Seeks Growth Amid Domestic Demand

The North American multimodal transportation market is bifurcated, with international volumes declining and domestic volumes steadily increasing. Domestic transportation may become a future growth engine, requiring attention to factors such as global shipping routes, trucking capacity, and driver availability. The overall volume forecast for 2026 is flat to slightly down. The shift towards domestic transport highlights the need for optimization within North American supply chains and leveraging multimodal solutions to enhance efficiency and resilience.

01/30/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Toyota Raymond Merge to Lead North American Forklift Market

Toyota Raymond Merge to Lead North American Forklift Market

Toyota Material Handling and The Raymond Corporation announced their integration as Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA), effective April 1st. The integration aims to leverage the strengths of both companies, improve operational efficiency, and create greater value for customers, while maintaining the brand independence of Toyota and Raymond. This move is expected to intensify competition in the North American material handling industry and drive technological innovation and service upgrades. The combined entity will offer a broader portfolio and enhanced support to its customers.

01/30/2026 Logistics
Read More
Kenco Acquires Drexel Industries to Expand North American Presence

Kenco Acquires Drexel Industries to Expand North American Presence

Kenco acquired Drexel's 3PL business, expanding its presence into the Canadian market. This acquisition strengthens Kenco's logistics capabilities across North America, with a particular focus on co-packing and filling services. The move allows Kenco to offer enhanced warehousing and distribution solutions to its customers throughout the region and further solidify its position as a leading 3PL provider.

01/30/2026 Logistics
Read More
North American Heavyduty Truck Orders Decline Amid Industry Uncertainty

North American Heavyduty Truck Orders Decline Amid Industry Uncertainty

The decline in North American heavy-duty truck orders in March has raised concerns. Data from ACT Research and FTR Associates both indicate orders were below expectations. Multiple factors contribute to this downturn, including model transitions, inventory strategies, diesel prices, and freight volumes. Despite these challenges, replacement demand persists, and technological innovations and regulatory policies will create new opportunities. The industry needs to proactively adapt to changes and stay attuned to market trends. This period requires careful navigation to maintain stability and capitalize on emerging possibilities within the heavy-duty truck sector.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More