US Rail Freight Mixed As Carload Rises Offset Intermodal Drop

US Rail Freight Mixed As Carload Rises Offset Intermodal Drop

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 1.1% for the week ending March 19th, while intermodal volume decreased by 5.7% year-over-year. Year-to-date, cumulative carload traffic is up 3%, but intermodal volume is down 7.1%. The overall trend in North American rail freight indicates a decline, highlighting supply chain challenges and regional interconnections. This divergence between carload and intermodal performance suggests shifts in freight patterns and potential bottlenecks within the broader logistics network.

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

US Rail Freight Decline Signals Economic Worries

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a continued decline in U.S. rail freight volume in late April, with year-over-year decreases in both carloads and intermodal units. While automotive and agricultural product shipments saw growth, significant declines were observed in bulk commodities like coal and grain. Overall North American freight volume also trended downward. Multiple factors contribute to the challenges facing rail freight, necessitating solutions such as technological innovation, diversified services, and supportive policies to navigate the future.

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

US Rail Freight Mixed Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

The US rail freight market is showing a diverging trend: carload traffic is slightly increasing, while intermodal volume continues to decline. Coal and grain shipments are driving the growth in carload traffic, but slowing consumer demand and supply chain bottlenecks are contributing to the decrease in intermodal volume. Year-to-date data indicates that the decline in intermodal transportation is a long-term trend. Rail freight data reflects structural changes in the economy and provides valuable reference for business and government decision-making.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines in Carloads but Rises in Containers

US Rail Freight Declines in Carloads but Rises in Containers

The Association of American Railroads reports a mixed picture for rail freight: carload volume is down year-over-year due to economic restructuring and increased competition. However, container traffic is growing, driven by multimodal transportation and global trade. Railroads need to actively transform and embrace technological innovation to meet these market challenges. The container segment's growth highlights the importance of intermodal solutions and the continued relevance of rail in global supply chains, despite overall freight volume declines in other areas.

02/12/2026 Logistics
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Cass Freight Index Warns of Economic Slowdown

Cass Freight Index Warns of Economic Slowdown

The Cass Freight Index indicates a potential economic downturn, with both freight volume and expenditures declining in October. Freight volume decreased by 9.5% year-over-year, while expenditures fell by 23.3%. Experts attribute this to high inflation, supply chain easing, and shifting consumer spending habits. To navigate these challenges, businesses should optimize their supply chains, enhance data analytics, and flexibly adjust pricing strategies. These measures can help companies adapt to the evolving market conditions and mitigate the impact of the economic slowdown.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Freight Demand Drops Sharply Fueling Recession Fears

US Freight Demand Drops Sharply Fueling Recession Fears

The Bank of America Freight Payment Index indicates a significant drop in US freight volume and spending in Q2 due to the pandemic, signaling a potential economic recession. Freight volume declined across all regions, accompanied by a decrease in expenditure. Moving forward, carriers and shippers need to be adaptable and monitor the pandemic's evolution. Improvements are expected in retail, construction, and factory supply chains. Digital transformation, diversified services, risk management, and sustainable development are crucial for freight companies to navigate these challenges.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Decline Temporary Dip or Longterm Trend

US Rail Freight Decline Temporary Dip or Longterm Trend

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume decreased year-over-year in the first week of November, but year-to-date figures remain positive. Grain and metallic ores shipments increased, while coal, motor vehicles & parts shipments declined. The intermodal volume decrease may be due to truck competition and easing port congestion. Despite challenges such as energy transition and technological changes, the long-term outlook for the U.S. rail freight industry remains positive.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines in September Grain Shipments Rise

US Rail Freight Declines in September Grain Shipments Rise

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a year-over-year decline in U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic for the third week of September. Coal shipments experienced a significant drop, while grain transport showed strong performance. Year-to-date figures still indicate growth, suggesting a positive long-term trend. Rail freight volume is considered an economic bellwether, reflecting economic activity and structural shifts. The fluctuations in freight volume provide insights into the overall health and direction of the economy.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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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, for the week ending November 8th, U.S. rail carloads increased slightly by 0.1% year-over-year, while intermodal volume decreased by 8.7%. Year-to-date figures show growth in both carloads and intermodal volume. This data reflects the logistics industry's challenges and opportunities in areas like supply chain resilience, intermodal potential, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability, foreshadowing future industry trends. The performance of rail freight and intermodal transportation provides insights into the broader logistics landscape.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines Some Sectors Show Resilience

US Rail Freight Declines Some Sectors Show Resilience

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload and intermodal traffic both declined year-over-year for the week ending February 4th. Automobiles & parts and petroleum & nonmetallic minerals showed strong performance, while coal, grain, and chemicals experienced volume decreases. Overall, North American rail performance was slightly better than the U.S. The rail freight market is in a period of transition, presenting both challenges and opportunities. The data suggests shifts in demand across different commodity sectors impacting the overall freight volume.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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