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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Long Beach Port Cargo Surge Raises Sustainability Questions

Long Beach Port Cargo Surge Raises Sustainability Questions

The Port of Long Beach saw a significant increase in cargo volume in October, up nearly 15% year-over-year. This marks the second consecutive month of growth, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. While the year-to-date cargo volume remains down, the port is demonstrating a gradual recovery. This positive trend suggests improvements in the supply chain and increased economic activity. The port anticipates continued growth as it navigates ongoing global challenges and strives to meet the demands of its customers.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Trucking Slump Deepens As DAT Freight Index Hits Record Low

Trucking Slump Deepens As DAT Freight Index Hits Record Low

The DAT Truckload Volume Index indicates a decrease in freight volume and falling freight rates in February, signaling excess capacity. Experts suggest the market is normalizing, with overcapacity being a key challenge. Businesses need to improve efficiency, control costs, expand channels, enhance services, invest in technology, flexibly adjust capacity, strengthen risk management, and seek collaborations to address the challenges and seize opportunities. The current market conditions require strategic adaptation and proactive measures to maintain competitiveness and profitability within the evolving logistics landscape.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Container Imports Decline in November Amid Seasonal Slowdown

US Container Imports Decline in November Amid Seasonal Slowdown

The Global Shipping Report indicates a decline in US import volume in November, both month-over-month and year-over-year, influenced by seasonal factors and tariff uncertainty. China's import volume experienced a significant decrease, with a corresponding drop in throughput at the top ten ports. The report highlights the resilience of US import demand but emphasizes the need for businesses to monitor market dynamics and mitigate potential risks. Companies should remain vigilant about the evolving trade landscape and adjust strategies accordingly.

12/31/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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