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
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US Rail Freight Volume Rises Slightly in Late August

US Rail Freight Volume Rises Slightly in Late August

U.S. rail freight saw a slight increase overall, with intermodal transportation experiencing growth. Chemical shipments rose, while petroleum shipments declined. Both total freight volume and intermodal volume increased throughout the year, indicating positive trends in the railway sector and its contribution to the broader economy. This growth suggests a continued reliance on rail for moving goods across the country, particularly for intermodal solutions that integrate rail with other modes of transport.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Effective Strategies for Handling Inconsistencies Between Booking Instructions and Pre-allocation Information

Effective Strategies for Handling Inconsistencies Between Booking Instructions and Pre-allocation Information

In international shipping, discrepancies between gross weight in booking information and pre-arrival data are common issues. The solution is to provide accurate data when submitting AMS or confirming the bill of lading; booking authorization data can serve as a reference. Ensuring accurate information during the bill of lading confirmation stage is crucial. Shippers need not worry excessively, as they can modify information before the cutoff time.

07/18/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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East Coast Port Labor Dispute Shifts Imports to West Coast

East Coast Port Labor Dispute Shifts Imports to West Coast

The rising risk of port strikes on the US East and Gulf Coasts may drive a surge in US import volume in August. Retailers are proactively taking measures such as front-loading shipments and diverting cargo to West Coast ports. The report forecasts a 12.1% year-over-year increase in import volume for the full year 2024. Retailers need to closely monitor the situation and take proactive steps to ensure supply chain stability.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rebound Hints at Economic Growth

US Rail Freight Rebound Hints at Economic Growth

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes both increased year-over-year for the week ending April 26. Rail freight volume rose by 9.0%, primarily driven by increased shipments of coal, grain, and chemicals. Intermodal volume grew by 2.6%. Year-to-date figures show a 1.5% increase in rail freight volume and an 8.0% increase in intermodal volume, suggesting a steady recovery in the rail freight market.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Intermodal Volumes Decline in Late September

US Rail Freight Intermodal Volumes Decline in Late September

For the week ending September 20, 2025, US rail freight volume decreased by 1.8% year-over-year, and intermodal volume decreased by 2.5%. Grain and metallic ores shipments increased, while coal, miscellaneous carloads, and nonmetallic minerals declined. Despite the recent downturn, year-to-date rail freight volume is up 2.2%, and intermodal volume is up 3.6% compared to 2024. Macroeconomic conditions, industry-specific factors, and supply chain issues can all influence rail transport volumes.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines in May Amid Coal Chemical Gains

US Rail Freight Declines in May Amid Coal Chemical Gains

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic declined year-over-year in late May, though coal and chemical shipments bucked the trend with gains. Year-to-date, freight traffic saw a slight increase, while intermodal continued its decline. Supply chain managers should pay attention to factors such as inflation and geopolitical risks, and strengthen demand forecasting and diversify transportation channels to mitigate potential disruptions.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic decreased by 3.7% year-over-year for the week ending May 21, while intermodal traffic fell by 4.5%. Coal and chemical shipments increased, while grain and metals declined. Year-to-date, freight traffic is up 0.4%, but intermodal traffic is down 6.8%. The decline in rail freight could signal an economic slowdown, requiring proactive responses from railway companies and increased investment from the government.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Smart Mini Apps Boost User Retention in Chinas Red Envelope Campaigns

Smart Mini Apps Boost User Retention in Chinas Red Envelope Campaigns

As the Chinese New Year 'red envelope' battle fades, a new arena emerges for internet giants. Baidu's Smart Mini Program, leveraging contextualized services like ticket-grabbing calendars, New Year shopping festivals, and content events, demonstrates significant potential in user retention. This shift from 'red envelope acquisition' to 'service retention' signals a focus on user experience and value creation as the core of competition in the next phase of the internet era. The strategy emphasizes providing ongoing utility beyond promotional periods to foster lasting user engagement.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Imports Shift As Tariffs Reshape Supply Chains

US Imports Shift As Tariffs Reshape Supply Chains

A Panjiva report indicates that US imports decreased month-over-month but increased year-over-year in August, significantly influenced by tariffs. Companies may be expediting shipments to avoid tariffs, reshaping supply chains. Natural disasters like hurricanes also contributed to the fluctuations. While the US economy's fundamentals remain strong in the long term, tariffs could ultimately impact global supply chains.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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