US Rail Freight Automotive Grain Up As Intermodal Lags

US Rail Freight Automotive Grain Up As Intermodal Lags

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported a mixed performance in U.S. rail freight for the week ending March 21. Traditional carload traffic saw a slight year-over-year decrease, but grain and automotive shipments performed strongly. Intermodal volume, however, bucked the trend and increased. Year-to-date figures show a small increase in carload volume, while intermodal volume experienced a slight decline. The U.S. rail freight market is undergoing a transformation and upgrade, requiring proactive responses to challenges and the seizing of opportunities.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volumes Drop Amid Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop Amid Economic Slowdown

The Association of American Railroads reported a significant year-over-year decrease in U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic for the week ending September 12th. This decline was influenced by Labor Day and substantial drops in carloads of metallic ores and petroleum products. Year-to-date figures show a decrease in carload traffic but a slight increase in intermodal volume. Railroad companies should pay close attention to the global economic situation, diversify their business portfolio, improve operational efficiency, and proactively respond to the energy transition.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Warehousing Automation Boosts Demand for Supply Chain Technicians

Warehousing Automation Boosts Demand for Supply Chain Technicians

A report by the National Center for Supply Chain Technology Education projects a 30% surge in demand for supply chain technicians in the US over the next two years, adding approximately 61,000 new positions. The report highlights the core skills required for this profession, the current state of education and training, and industry distribution. It emphasizes the need for both companies and individuals to seize automation opportunities and address the evolving skills challenges within the supply chain sector. This presents significant career development potential.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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USA Cycling Adopts Saas WMS for Global Gear Management

USA Cycling Adopts Saas WMS for Global Gear Management

USA Cycling faced challenges in managing event equipment. By implementing RedPrairie's (now Blue Yonder) SaaS WMS, they achieved comprehensive tracking and management of their equipment. This resulted in significant improvements in efficiency, reduced losses, and enhanced service quality. This case study demonstrates the potential of SaaS WMS in improving organizational operational efficiency. The WMS solution allowed for better visibility and control over inventory, ensuring that the right equipment was available at the right place and time, ultimately contributing to a smoother and more successful event experience.

01/30/2026 Warehousing
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Partisan Deadlock Halts US Infrastructure Bank Funding

Partisan Deadlock Halts US Infrastructure Bank Funding

This article delves into the controversy surrounding the US Infrastructure Bank, revealing deep partisan divisions on transportation investment philosophies. Republicans emphasize efficiency and market mechanisms, favoring utilizing existing systems. Democrats lean towards government leadership, believing the Infrastructure Bank can fund crucial projects. This debate is far from over. Bridging the gap and finding a path that balances the interests of all parties is a challenge for policymakers. The core disagreement lies in the extent of government intervention versus market-based solutions in addressing infrastructure needs.

01/30/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Guide to Secure Ocean Freight Packaging for Global Shipping

Guide to Secure Ocean Freight Packaging for Global Shipping

International sea freight packaging is crucial. This article delves into the universal requirements of sea freight packaging, such as compression and moisture resistance, and compliant labeling. It provides tailored packaging techniques for various categories, including cross-border e-commerce, home building materials, electronics, food and cosmetics, dangerous goods, and bulk cargo. The importance of avoiding over-packaging and standardizing packaging is emphasized, along with the necessity of entrusting professional service providers. The goal is to help ensure the safe arrival of goods at their destination.

01/29/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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GM Invests 1 Billion in Mexico Manufacturing Expansion

GM Invests 1 Billion in Mexico Manufacturing Expansion

General Motors announced a $1 billion investment in its Mexican manufacturing operations over the next two years. This investment aims to strengthen GM's position in the Mexican market, meet domestic demand, and reinforce its long-term commitment to Mexico. The move reflects GM's recognition of Mexico's importance in the global automotive supply chain and its strategic response to the ongoing transformation and upgrading of the global automotive industry. This investment will likely focus on improving production capabilities and potentially introducing new models for the Mexican market.

01/30/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Chinese Goods Gain Traction on Russias Ozon During Black Friday

Chinese Goods Gain Traction on Russias Ozon During Black Friday

Ozon's Black Friday report reveals a significant surge in demand for Chinese goods in Russia. Order volume and sales of Chinese products increased by over 500%, GMV more than doubled, and the number of consumers purchasing Chinese goods grew nearly 3.5 times. The demand for Chinese products is expanding nationwide, with high-value, cost-effective items being particularly popular. Chinese sellers should seize this opportunity by improving product quality, optimizing supply chains, strengthening brand building, and actively embracing digital transformation to capitalize on the growing Russian market.

01/30/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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BCOM Rebalancing May Trigger 14B Gold Silver Selloff

BCOM Rebalancing May Trigger 14B Gold Silver Selloff

The annual rebalancing of the Bloomberg Commodity Index (BCOM) is set to trigger a sell-off of over $14 billion in gold and silver, while driving purchases of commodities like crude oil, cocoa, and sugar. Scotiabank suggests buying the dip in precious metals but remains cautious on crude oil. Investors should focus on fundamentals, manage risk, and be flexible in response to market volatility. The cocoa market may experience significant fluctuations due to the rebalancing. This event presents both opportunities and risks within the commodity market.

01/30/2026 Exchange Rate Query
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DHL Enhances US Imports with Integrated Customs Service

DHL Enhances US Imports with Integrated Customs Service

DHL Global Forwarding introduces an integrated customs clearance service designed to simplify the U.S. import process, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, helping retailers navigate trade barriers and tariff complexities. This service lowers compliance risks and enhances transparency and certainty by consolidating shipments and optimizing customs clearance procedures. It's particularly beneficial for high-volume imports, multi-vendor sourcing, and cross-border e-commerce, enabling retailers to gain a competitive edge in global trade. The solution streamlines the process and provides better control over import costs.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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