US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Loses in Container Volume

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Loses in Container Volume

The latest report from the Association of American Railroads reveals a mixed picture of the US rail freight market. For the week ending December 6th, carload traffic increased by 1.7% year-over-year, while container traffic decreased by 5.4%. Year-to-date figures show a 1.8% increase in both carload and container volume. The report highlights the contrasting trends within the rail freight sector, analyzes the underlying causes, and forecasts future developments. This provides valuable insights for business operations and economic development in the US.

01/17/2026 Logistics
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Shipping Firms Idle Fleets Amid Weak Global Freight Demand

Shipping Firms Idle Fleets Amid Weak Global Freight Demand

The global ocean freight market is facing weak demand, prompting shipping companies to increase blank sailings to combat falling freight rates. While blank sailings offer temporary relief, they cannot resolve the fundamental supply-demand imbalance. Moving forward, shipping companies need to optimize strategies and improve services, while shippers must strengthen supply chain management. Collaborative efforts are crucial to navigate market challenges and achieve long-term stability in the ocean freight market. The key is addressing the core issues beyond short-term fixes like blank sailings.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Shipping Costs Key Insights for Importers and Exporters

Global Shipping Costs Key Insights for Importers and Exporters

This article provides a detailed analysis of various costs involved in international shipping, including shipping company fees (ocean freight, surcharges, local charges), terminal handling charges, and other related expenses (customs clearance, warehousing, trucking, etc.). It also offers strategies for avoiding extra fees and optimizing shipping costs, aiming to help foreign trade enterprises better manage their ocean freight expenditures. The goal is to provide practical guidance for cost-effective international shipping management.

08/22/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Global Ocean Shipping Industry Adopts Efficiency Measures

Global Ocean Shipping Industry Adopts Efficiency Measures

This article provides a detailed explanation of the international freight forwarding ocean freight operation process, covering key steps such as booking, customs clearance, and bill of lading. It helps you clarify your thinking, optimize processes, improve efficiency, and ensure the safe and timely delivery of goods to their destination. It offers insights into streamlining the complex procedures involved in international ocean freight, empowering businesses to navigate the shipping landscape effectively and avoid potential delays or complications. This guide is a valuable resource for anyone involved in international trade and logistics.

09/26/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Uschina Shipping Costs Transit Times and Options Explained

Uschina Shipping Costs Transit Times and Options Explained

This article provides a detailed overview of key elements for ocean freight from the US to China. It covers transportation methods, cargo types, route selection, price structure, and transit time calculation. This helps you comprehensively understand the ocean freight process, choose the most suitable transportation solution, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. The information provided allows for informed decision-making regarding shipping options and optimizing the supply chain for goods moving between the US and China.

12/30/2025 Logistics
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Flexport Expands Shanghailos Angeles Shipping with New Services

Flexport Expands Shanghailos Angeles Shipping with New Services

This article delves into freight solutions from Shanghai to Los Angeles, highlighting Flexport's professional freight forwarding services. It analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of various shipping methods, including air freight, Full Container Load (FCL) sea freight, and Less than Container Load (LCL) sea freight. Key factors influencing transit time and costs are also examined. The aim is to assist businesses in selecting the most suitable freight strategy for efficient and economical international trade. This analysis provides valuable insights for optimizing supply chains between China and the US.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Intermodal Gains Offset Carload Declines

US Rail Intermodal Gains Offset Carload Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, the U.S. rail freight market showed a divergence in the week ending October 17th. Container traffic increased by 11.3% year-over-year, while traditional freight declined by 7.5%. E-commerce growth and supply chain restructuring are driving the growth of container business. Meanwhile, energy transition and manufacturing adjustments are causing the decline in traditional freight. Railway companies should increase investment in container business, expand diversified businesses, strengthen technological innovation, and actively participate in policy making.

01/17/2026 Logistics
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Chinafrance Shipping Costs Surge Exporters Seek Solutions

Chinafrance Shipping Costs Surge Exporters Seek Solutions

This article analyzes various factors influencing sea freight container prices between China and France. These factors include shipping routes, container types, cargo weight and volume, peak and off-peak seasons, fuel prices, and port charges. The article also provides channels for freight rate inquiries and offers cost-reduction suggestions, aiming to assist export companies in addressing sea freight cost challenges. It highlights the complexities of pricing in the China-France trade lane and provides practical guidance for businesses involved in container shipping.

01/23/2026 Logistics
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Understanding COV Fees in Ocean Freight Forwarding: An Insight into Change of Vessel Fee

Understanding COV Fees in Ocean Freight Forwarding: An Insight into Change of Vessel Fee

COV (Change of Vessel Fee) is a common charge in maritime freight forwarding, typically around 200 RMB per instance. This fee applies in cases where changes to the vessel are required due to customer reasons, helping to prevent empty cargo holds during voyages. Understanding the background and implications of change of vessel fees can assist customers in making more efficient arrangements for cargo transport and avoid unnecessary costs.

07/16/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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