US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls in Early November

US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls in Early November

U.S. rail freight data for the week of November 8, 2025, reveals a 0.1% year-over-year increase in traditional carload traffic, but lower than the previous two weeks. Intermodal volume decreased by 8.7% compared to the same period last year. Year-to-date, carload traffic has increased by 1.8%, and intermodal volume by 2.5%. These figures reflect the complexities of the U.S. economy and the challenges and opportunities facing the rail freight market.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines As Economic Conditions Shift

US Rail Freight Declines As Economic Conditions Shift

U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes decreased year-over-year, but cumulative volumes for the year remained higher. Declines were seen in carloads of commodities such as automobiles and coal. The railway industry needs to improve efficiency to address these challenges and maintain growth. While facing headwinds, the overall positive year-to-date performance suggests underlying strength in the rail freight sector despite specific commodity weaknesses and the need for operational improvements.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

The Cass Freight Index indicates a decline in both U.S. freight volumes and expenditures in August, signaling a potential economic slowdown. Freight volumes decreased by 9.3% year-over-year and 1.5% month-over-month. Freight expenditures fell by 0.4% year-over-year and 2.8% month-over-month. This data reflects weakening consumer demand and corporate inventory adjustments, raising concerns about future economic trends. The index serves as a warning sign, suggesting a possible deceleration in economic activity.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Growth Uneven As Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

US Rail Freight Growth Uneven As Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

The latest US rail freight data reveals a year-over-year increase in carload traffic, driven by strong demand for nonmetallic minerals, coal, and motor vehicle parts. However, intermodal container and trailer volumes declined year-over-year, reflecting easing supply chain bottlenecks and cooling consumer demand. Overall North American rail freight volumes show a similar diverging trend. Moving forward, railway companies need to improve operational efficiency and expand their business areas to address challenges and seize opportunities.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Containers Fall

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Containers Fall

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight performance in late January showed divergence: carload volume increased by 3.3% year-over-year, primarily driven by increased shipments of nonmetallic minerals and coal. Container volume decreased by 6.7% year-over-year, reflecting macroeconomic uncertainty and supply chain adjustments. Total North American rail freight volume experienced a slight decrease. Looking ahead, economic recovery, supply chain resilience, sustainable development, and technological innovation will be key factors influencing rail freight trends.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Intermodal Rises Carloads Fall Amid Economic Shifts

US Rail Freight Intermodal Rises Carloads Fall Amid Economic Shifts

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail traffic for the week ending March 16th presented a mixed picture. While automotive carloads experienced a slight year-over-year decrease, shipments of grain, chemicals, and petroleum saw growth. Intermodal container and trailer volumes showed significant year-over-year increases. The recent bridge collapse may impact logistics on the East Coast. Railroad companies need to actively transform and upgrade, expanding into emerging businesses such as intermodal transportation.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Uneven Recovery Amid Demand Shifts

US Rail Freight Sees Uneven Recovery Amid Demand Shifts

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both increased year-over-year for the week ending September 16th. However, cumulative freight traffic for the first 37 weeks of the year is down compared to last year. Performance varied across commodity categories, with gains in autos, petroleum, and chemicals, while coal and grain declined. Intermodal remains a growth driver, but macroeconomic conditions, energy prices, and supply chains pose challenges. A cautiously optimistic outlook prevails.

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

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

For the week ending April 9, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 1.4% year-over-year, while intermodal volume decreased by 3.1%. Coal and motor vehicle shipments increased, while petroleum and metallic ores shipments declined. Total North American rail traffic decreased by 3.7% year-over-year. Digital transformation, intermodal innovation, and sustainable development are future trends. The mixed performance highlights the complex interplay of factors influencing the rail freight sector, reflecting broader economic conditions and shifting transportation demands.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Slows As Select Commodities Defy Decline

US Rail Freight Slows As Select Commodities Defy Decline

Recent data shows a year-over-year decrease in overall US rail freight and intermodal volume. However, car & parts, farm products & food, and nonmetallic minerals experienced growth. Year-to-date figures indicate a decline in intermodal volume compared to the previous year. Businesses should leverage data-driven decision-making, optimize supply chains, diversify operations, invest in technological innovation, and monitor policy changes to proactively address challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the evolving rail freight landscape.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rises Slightly As Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Rises Slightly As Intermodal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending August 20, U.S. rail carloads increased by 2.9% year-over-year, while intermodal volume decreased by 2.4%. Year-to-date carloads are roughly flat compared to last year, but intermodal volume is down 5.5%. Overall, North American rail freight has seen slight growth, but continues to face challenges from global economic slowdown and supply chain disruptions. Railroad companies need to innovate to address these challenges and seize opportunities.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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