US Rail Freight Struggles Amid Mixed Results

US Rail Freight Struggles Amid Mixed Results

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending August 19, U.S. rail freight volume decreased by 0.6% year-over-year, and intermodal volume declined by 4.6%. Categories like motor vehicles & parts, coal, and petroleum saw growth, while grains and forest products experienced declines. Year-to-date, rail freight volume shows a slight increase, but intermodal volume has significantly decreased. Businesses need to optimize operations, expand services, strengthen cooperation, and embrace digitalization and sustainable development to adapt to these trends.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines in May Coal Shipments Drop Sharply

US Rail Freight Declines in May Coal Shipments Drop Sharply

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates a decline in both carload and intermodal traffic for U.S. railroads in late May. Carload traffic decreased by 10.6% year-over-year, while intermodal traffic fell by 6.5%. Coal and petroleum products experienced significant drops, while miscellaneous carloads, nonmetallic minerals, and motor vehicles & parts saw increases. Year-to-date, both cumulative carload and intermodal volumes are below last year's levels, reflecting the impact of factors such as energy transition, economic fluctuations, and supply chain challenges.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Growth in Select Sectors Despite Overall Drop

US Rail Freight Growth in Select Sectors Despite Overall Drop

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic showed mixed results for the week ending March 19: carloads increased by 1.1% year-over-year, while intermodal units decreased by 5.7%. Coal and chemical shipments increased, while grain and petroleum shipments declined. In the first 11 weeks of 2022, total U.S. rail carloads increased by 3% year-over-year, while intermodal units decreased by 7.1%. North American rail freight faces similar challenges. It's crucial to monitor economic signals and seize opportunities.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volumes Decline Amid Logistics Shifts

US Rail Freight Volumes Decline Amid Logistics Shifts

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates a year-over-year decline in both U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes in May, although performance varied across market segments. Automobiles & parts, crushed stone, gravel, and food showed strong results, while grain, primary metal products, and petroleum products were weaker. Logistics companies need to closely monitor market dynamics, diversify services, innovate technologically, and focus on sustainability to address challenges and seize future opportunities. Diversification and innovation are key to navigate the changing landscape.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads (AAR), U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 1.1% year-over-year in late July, while intermodal volume decreased by 2.5%. Carload growth was driven by commodities like motor vehicles & parts, coal, and farm products, while metallic ores, petroleum products, and miscellaneous carloads declined. Overall North American rail traffic showed a similar trend, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Supply chain optimization, technological innovation, and sustainable development will be crucial for the future of rail freight.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Shift Coal Oil Drop As Merchandise Grain Rise

US Rail Freight Sees Shift Coal Oil Drop As Merchandise Grain Rise

The Association of American Railroads reported a year-over-year decrease in total U.S. rail freight volume for the week ending April 16th. However, the internal structure shows divergence: coal and petroleum shipments declined significantly, while miscellaneous cargo and grain shipments increased. The energy transition, evolving consumer demand, and technological advancements are profoundly impacting the rail transport industry. Diversification and transformation are crucial for its future development, adapting to these shifts in demand and leveraging new technologies to remain competitive.

02/12/2026 Logistics
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North American Rail Freight Slows Amid Economic Uncertainty

North American Rail Freight Slows Amid Economic Uncertainty

Data from the Association of American Railroads reveals a year-over-year decrease in U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic for the week ending February 4th. While carloads of motor vehicles & parts and petroleum increased, coal, grain, and chemicals declined. Overall North American freight volume experienced a slight dip. Factors like economic cycles, supply chain issues, and the energy transition are impacting freight volumes. Companies need strategies such as service diversification, technological innovation, and network optimization to adapt to these evolving market trends.

01/20/2026 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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US Rail Freight Faces Mixed Demand Amid Supply Chain Strains

US Rail Freight Faces Mixed Demand Amid Supply Chain Strains

The U.S. rail freight market presents a mixed picture, with overall carloads showing slight growth but intermodal volumes declining. Increases were observed in chemicals, nonmetallic minerals, and coal shipments, while grain, petroleum, and motor vehicles experienced decreases. Supply chain bottlenecks, shifting demand, and geopolitical risks pose significant challenges. Technological innovation and the green transition are crucial for future development and navigating the evolving landscape of the rail freight industry. These factors will determine the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Modest Recovery in Late September

US Rail Freight Sees Modest Recovery in Late September

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload and intermodal traffic both experienced year-over-year growth in late September. Carload traffic increased by 0.9%, with notable gains in nonmetallic minerals, grain, and motor vehicles & parts, while coal, petroleum, and metals declined. Intermodal volume rose by 1.1%. Year-to-date figures show a 2.1% increase in total carload traffic and a 3.5% increase in total intermodal volume. The rail freight market faces both challenges and opportunities, requiring proactive adaptation.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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