US Rail Freight Faces Challenges Amid Economic Shifts

US Rail Freight Faces Challenges Amid Economic Shifts

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that for the week ending December 15th, US rail freight and intermodal traffic experienced a year-over-year decrease, although cumulative year-to-date figures remain positive. Performance varied significantly across different market segments, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Moving forward, the rail freight industry needs to embrace innovation, improve efficiency, and adapt to market changes to achieve sustainable growth. The sector's ability to evolve will be crucial for its long-term success in a competitive transportation landscape.

01/15/2026 Logistics
Read More
Armstrong World Industries Reclaims Supply Chain Control

Armstrong World Industries Reclaims Supply Chain Control

Armstrong World Industries achieved cost reduction and service improvement by regaining control of its transportation functions, optimizing its supply chain management. This case demonstrates that companies should flexibly adjust their strategies based on their own needs and reshape their core competitiveness. By insourcing transportation, Armstrong gained better visibility and control over its shipments, leading to reduced freight costs and improved delivery times. This proactive approach highlights the importance of evaluating and adapting supply chain strategies to achieve optimal performance and maintain a competitive edge.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Automated System Boosts Productivity at Munters

Automated System Boosts Productivity at Munters

Munters partnered with WESCO Distribution to implement the ACTYLUS™ automated replenishment system, effectively resolving inventory shortages, freeing up valuable factory floor space, and saving over $43,000 annually in labor costs. This case study demonstrates the significant potential of automated replenishment systems in improving production efficiency and reducing operational expenses. The system ensures parts are always available when needed, minimizing downtime and maximizing output. By automating the reordering process, Munters streamlined its inventory management and optimized its workforce, leading to substantial cost savings and increased productivity.

01/19/2026 Warehousing
Read More
Fedex Q2 Profit Beats Forecasts on Ecommerce Surge

Fedex Q2 Profit Beats Forecasts on Ecommerce Surge

FedEx's Q2 earnings exceeded expectations, with net profit increasing by 4% year-over-year and adjusted EPS significantly surpassing Wall Street estimates. Strong e-commerce driven growth in the Ground segment offset the impact of lower fuel surcharges. The company improved profitability through strategic adjustments and cost control measures. Looking ahead, FedEx is poised to continue benefiting from e-commerce development and maintain its leading position in the market. The strong performance highlights the company's resilience and ability to adapt to changing market dynamics.

01/19/2026 Logistics
Read More
Crossborder Firm Daxue Enhances Refund Flexibility for Customer Engagement

Crossborder Firm Daxue Enhances Refund Flexibility for Customer Engagement

Dashu Cross-border offers flexible event refund settings. Merchants can customize refund deadlines in event management, allowing refunds until the event ends or within a specified number of days before the event concludes. Once the first user has paid, the refund settings cannot be changed. This provides a better user experience by offering control over refund policies and mitigating potential disputes related to event cancellations or changes. This feature is particularly useful for cross-border e-commerce events where refund policies need to be clearly defined.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
US Rail Freight Rebounds Despite Economic Challenges

US Rail Freight Rebounds Despite Economic Challenges

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes both increased year-over-year for the week ending August 30th. Increased shipments of chemicals and metallic ores suggest a potential economic rebound. Rail freight growth serves as an economic bellwether, creating jobs and offering environmental benefits. However, the industry faces challenges such as aging infrastructure and labor shortages. These positive trends in rail freight volume provide a valuable signal regarding the current state and potential recovery of the broader U.S. economy.

01/22/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Mixed in May Intermodal Gains Steady

US Rail Freight Mixed in May Intermodal Gains Steady

According to the latest data from the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight volume in May remained flat year-over-year, but intermodal traffic experienced strong growth. Intermodal transportation benefits from tight trucking capacity and corporate cost reduction demands, and is expected to maintain its growth momentum. The overall rail freight market reflects economic uncertainty. The industry needs to address challenges such as energy transition and manufacturing reshoring, while actively embracing technological innovation. The growth in intermodal offsets the weakness in other rail segments.

01/22/2026 Logistics
Read More
Cloudbased TMS Transforms Package Delivery Industry

Cloudbased TMS Transforms Package Delivery Industry

Traditional manual shipping processes are struggling to keep pace with increasing order volumes. Cloud-based Transportation Management Systems (TMS) offer automation, scalability, and data analytics to help businesses improve logistics efficiency, reduce operating costs, and better meet customer demands. By streamlining operations and providing real-time visibility, TMS solutions enable companies to overcome growth bottlenecks and achieve sustainable development in the competitive logistics landscape. They offer a significant upgrade over manual processes, allowing for optimized routes, improved tracking, and enhanced communication across the supply chain.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Container Imports Jump Amid Economic Recovery

US Container Imports Jump Amid Economic Recovery

S&P Global data reveals a 13.4% year-over-year increase in US containerized freight imports for September, marking the 13th consecutive month of growth. Strong consumer goods demand is driving this surge, while capital goods growth is slowing. Experts anticipate a stronger market in 2024 compared to 2023, but highlight the importance of monitoring supply chain risks and labor issues. Overall, US import freight volumes are projected to continue their upward trajectory. This sustained growth indicates continued economic activity and consumer spending within the United States.

01/22/2026 Logistics
Read More
Saddle Creek Logistics Expands Amid Ecommerce Surge

Saddle Creek Logistics Expands Amid Ecommerce Surge

Saddle Creek Logistics announced the expansion of its warehousing operations in four major U.S. markets, adding over 1.8 million square feet of distribution center space. This expansion aims to meet the growing demands of e-commerce and omnichannel retail. By optimizing geographic locations, technology, and services, the company intends to improve delivery efficiency and solidify its position in the logistics market. The strategic move allows Saddle Creek to better serve its clients and capitalize on the continued growth in online shopping and related fulfillment needs.

01/22/2026 Logistics
Read More