US Rail Freight Volumes Rebound in Late October

US Rail Freight Volumes Rebound in Late October

According to data from the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both experienced year-over-year growth in late October, with significant increases in shipments of metallic ores, nonmetallic minerals, and chemicals. However, year-to-date cumulative data shows a decline in intermodal volume compared to the previous year. Rail freight volume is influenced by various factors, including macroeconomic conditions, industry trends, supply chains, and policies. Future focus should be on infrastructure investment and supply chain optimization.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in Late July

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in Late July

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail carloads and intermodal traffic both declined year-over-year in late July. Performance varied across specific categories, with year-to-date figures showing mixed results. Multiple factors, including macroeconomic conditions, supply chains, competition, structural changes, and geopolitics, are intertwined. While technological innovation, sustainable development, and infrastructure investment present opportunities, the rail industry must actively address challenges to achieve recovery. The overall outlook remains uncertain as the industry navigates these complex dynamics.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Volumes Decline Further in July

US Rail Freight Volumes Decline Further in July

US rail freight and intermodal traffic experienced a year-over-year decline. While some commodity categories saw volume increases, shipments of coal, grain, and other goods decreased. Factors influencing this trend include the overall economy, energy markets, and supply chain dynamics. These declines in rail freight and intermodal volume can serve as indicators of broader economic performance and shifts in transportation patterns. Understanding these trends is crucial for stakeholders in the transportation, logistics, and energy sectors.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Volumes Decline in Early May

US Rail Freight Volumes Decline in Early May

U.S. rail freight volume declined year-over-year in the first week of May, with varying performance across different categories. Year-to-date, carload traffic saw a slight increase, while intermodal traffic experienced a significant decrease. North American rail freight is facing downward pressure. The overall decline reflects potential challenges in the supply chain and broader economic activity. Monitoring these trends is crucial for understanding the health of the freight transportation sector and its impact on the wider economy.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Volumes Drop Sharply in Midjuly

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop Sharply in Midjuly

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates a year-over-year decrease in U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume for the week ending July 16th. Among commodity segments, nonmetallic minerals, farm products, and motor vehicle parts & equipment saw growth, while coal, miscellaneous carloads, and grain declined. Year-to-date figures also reflect this downward trend. The analysis points to factors such as economic slowdown, supply chain disruptions, and competition from trucking. Strategies for improvement include enhancing operational efficiency and expanding service offerings.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
Ecommerce Demand Reshapes Warehouse Design in Logistics Sector

Ecommerce Demand Reshapes Warehouse Design in Logistics Sector

JLL's report identifies nine key attributes of the future warehouse: wireless technology, hyper-connectivity, new forklift designs, clear height, picking technologies, sustainability, human-centric design, land flexibility, and super-flat floors. E-commerce is driving warehouse innovation, leading to smaller and smarter facilities. Automation is a core driver, and companies must embrace change by optimizing warehouse design and improving employee well-being to thrive in a competitive market. These adaptations are crucial for efficiency and long-term success in the evolving logistics landscape.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Aviation Industry Urges Transparency in Air Cargo Security

Aviation Industry Urges Transparency in Air Cargo Security

The International Transport Workers' Federation calls for attention to safety concerns in air cargo liberalization, emphasizing the involvement of all stakeholders. It highlights the need to balance social and security factors, protect the rights of aviation workers, and strengthen international cooperation to enhance transparency. The goal is to build a safe, efficient, and sustainable future for air cargo, driven by data-driven decision-making. This requires considering the impact on workers and ensuring fair labor practices within the increasingly complex air cargo supply chain.

03/26/2013 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Trucking Industry Sees Mixed Demand in Economic Recovery

Trucking Industry Sees Mixed Demand in Economic Recovery

The U.S. freight market is experiencing divergence: industrial and energy demands are weak, while retail demand remains strong. Although overall freight volumes have declined, the market shows signs of recovery. This split performance highlights the changing dynamics within the freight sector, with some segments struggling while others thrive. The ATA data likely reflects this divergence, requiring careful analysis to understand the underlying trends and future outlook for different freight segments.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Bob Costello Analyzes Shifts in US Freight Economy

Bob Costello Analyzes Shifts in US Freight Economy

Economist Costello predicts a US recession, but fundamentals remain solid. Consumer spending and employment are key indicators. US-China trade tensions introduce uncertainty. The trucking industry faces challenges. Despite recessionary concerns, strong consumer demand and a robust labor market offer some resilience. However, geopolitical factors and supply chain disruptions continue to pose risks to the economic outlook. Monitoring these factors will be crucial for navigating the potential economic downturn and understanding its impact on the freight sector.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Latvia Sets Global Standard in Customs Training Innovation

Latvia Sets Global Standard in Customs Training Innovation

Latvia has developed an innovative customs talent cultivation model in cooperation with Riga Technical University, the State Revenue Service, and the private sector, creating a multi-stakeholder ecosystem. This model combines theory and practice, integrates multiple disciplines, and continuously improves training quality, offering valuable insights for other countries. Simultaneously, the WCO Management Development Program empowers customs leaders and contributes to building a global community for customs talent development. This collaborative approach fosters a more effective and globally connected customs workforce.

11/30/-0001 Customs Knowledge
Read More