US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both declined in the week ending May 7. Carload traffic saw a slight decrease, revealing structural issues. Intermodal traffic experienced a larger drop, potentially signaling weakening consumer demand. Overall rail freight in North America declined, hindering economic integration. This warrants caution regarding potential economic downturn risks. The decline in rail freight, especially intermodal, serves as a key economic indicator to monitor.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Coal Chemicals Rise As Intermodal Slows

US Rail Freight Coal Chemicals Rise As Intermodal Slows

US rail freight saw a slight increase in March, with carload traffic up 1.1%, while intermodal traffic decreased by 5.7%. Year-to-date, carload traffic has increased by 3%, but intermodal volume has fallen by 7.1%. This indicates a mixed performance in the rail freight sector, with traditional carload shipments showing positive growth, while intermodal transportation continues to struggle. The overall impact on the supply chain remains to be seen, as these trends may reflect broader economic shifts.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Shifts Autos Petroleum Rise As Coal Falls

US Rail Freight Shifts Autos Petroleum Rise As Coal Falls

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic diverged in the week ending May 9th. Traditional freight carloads declined year-over-year, while motor vehicles and petroleum products showed strong performance. Coal continued to face pressure. Intermodal traffic increased year-over-year, but the growth rate slowed. Year-to-date, traditional freight carloads have slightly decreased, while intermodal traffic has grown. Railroad companies need to actively address challenges and seize opportunities to achieve sustainable development.

02/12/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Volumes Rebound in Late September

US Rail Freight Volumes Rebound in Late September

The Association of American Railroads reported that U.S. rail carload and intermodal traffic both increased year-over-year in late September. Carload traffic saw a slight increase of 0.9%, while intermodal traffic rose by 1.1%. Increased shipments of nonmetallic minerals, grain, and motor vehicle parts were observed, while coal, petroleum, and metallic ores declined. Year-to-date, both cumulative carload and intermodal volumes have experienced growth, reflecting the resilience and potential recovery of the U.S. economy.

01/21/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Rise Containers Fall

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Rise Containers Fall

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending January 21st, US rail carload traffic increased year-over-year, while container traffic decreased. Significant increases were seen in nonmetallic minerals and coal, while chemicals, grain, and forest products declined. North American rail traffic showed a similar trend, with carload growth offset by container decline, resulting in a slight overall volume decrease. This divergence reflects the current complex economic landscape, indicating both challenges and opportunities.

02/04/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Drop Container Growth Slows

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Drop Container Growth Slows

Data from the Association of American Railroads reveals a divergence in US rail freight: carload traffic is declining year-over-year, primarily due to weak coal demand; container traffic growth is slowing, potentially signaling cooling consumer demand. This analysis examines key factors influencing rail freight volume and explores future opportunities and challenges for the industry. The slowdown in container traffic raises concerns about the overall economic outlook, as it often serves as a leading indicator of consumer spending.

01/29/2026 Logistics
Read More
Optimizing Pallet Logistics for Efficient Shipping

Optimizing Pallet Logistics for Efficient Shipping

This article provides a comprehensive overview of pallet shipping, covering pallet type selection, size standards, wooden pallet compliance, Amazon FBA pallet specifications, and loading techniques. It aims to help readers master the key elements of pallet transportation, reduce logistics costs, and improve operational efficiency. The information includes practical guidance on ensuring compliance with regulations and optimizing pallet usage for various shipping scenarios, particularly focusing on Amazon's Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program.

11/03/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
Read More
Amazon Sellers Hit by Black Friday Chaos Deals Axed Brands Dropped

Amazon Sellers Hit by Black Friday Chaos Deals Axed Brands Dropped

During the Amazon Black Friday promotion, sellers encountered issues such as Lightning Deal cancellations and suspension of brand authorization, impacting sales. This article analyzes the reasons behind the Lightning Deal cancellations and explores the impact and potential causes of the brand authorization program's suspension. It emphasizes the importance of compliant operations for sellers on the Amazon platform to avoid such disruptions and maintain stable sales performance during peak seasons.

01/06/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Amazons Top Sellers Share Key Profit Strategies

Amazons Top Sellers Share Key Profit Strategies

Exceptional Amazon Operations specialists are all-rounders, proficient in product selection, operations, and logistics, profit-driven, and capable of creating bestsellers. They are lifelong learners, keeping up with platform changes and competitors. They are also master problem-solvers with clear logic and strong data analysis skills, able to resolve operational challenges and drive performance growth. They understand the Amazon ecosystem deeply and can leverage it to maximize efficiency and profitability.

01/06/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Ecommerce Sellers Target 1T Home Goods Market for Expansion

Ecommerce Sellers Target 1T Home Goods Market for Expansion

The global home goods market is approaching a trillion dollars, presenting new opportunities for cross-border e-commerce. This article analyzes the Home Goods Industry Overseas Summit and examines Amazon advertising data, offering sellers advertising strategies to help them tap into this trillion-dollar market. It provides insights and actionable advice for leveraging Amazon advertising to effectively reach target audiences and maximize sales in the competitive global home goods landscape.

01/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More