US Rail Freight Slump Hides Longterm Growth AAR Report

US Rail Freight Slump Hides Longterm Growth AAR Report

Recent data from the Association of American Railroads (AAR) shows a short-term year-over-year decline in rail freight and intermodal volumes, but cumulative year-to-date figures remain positive. Performance varies across market segments, with significant potential in intermodal transportation. Rail freight faces challenges like truck competition and labor shortages, but also benefits from economic growth and technological innovation. Moving forward, railway companies need to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and expand services, embracing change to achieve sustainable growth.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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CH Robinson Waymo Via Partner on Autonomous Freight Tech

CH Robinson Waymo Via Partner on Autonomous Freight Tech

C.H. Robinson partnered with Waymo Via to test the application of autonomous trucks in logistics on the Dallas-Houston route. This collaboration aims to improve efficiency and address capacity challenges within the freight transportation sector. The pilot program explores how self-driving technology can optimize supply chains and contribute to more streamlined and reliable freight movement. The partnership highlights the growing interest in leveraging automation to enhance logistics operations and solve industry-wide issues related to driver shortages and increasing demand.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Infrastructure Bill Aims to Relieve Supply Chain Strains

US Infrastructure Bill Aims to Relieve Supply Chain Strains

The United States passed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill aimed at improving transportation, broadband networks, water and electricity infrastructure, and alleviating supply chain bottlenecks. The CAGTC welcomed the bill but emphasized the need for patience as funds become available and projects are implemented. The bill is expected to promote economic growth but faces challenges such as project approvals, labor shortages, and inflation. The long-term impact hinges on efficient execution and overcoming these hurdles to modernize critical infrastructure and boost the economy.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US STB Extends Comment Period on Rail Switching Proposal

US STB Extends Comment Period on Rail Switching Proposal

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has extended the comment deadline for its “Reciprocal Switching” proposal, which aims to provide poorly served freight rail shippers with the option to access other rail carriers. The new proposal establishes three key performance standards: service reliability, consistency, and local service. It also requires Class I railroads to provide historical data on service metrics. Industry response to the proposal has been mixed, but there's general agreement that it's intended to improve the quality of rail service.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Airline Travel Codes Grow More Complex Amid Industry Shifts

Airline Travel Codes Grow More Complex Amid Industry Shifts

Airline travel codes are becoming increasingly complex. This paper explores the evolution and challenges of Passenger Name Records (PNR), flight numbers, and coding systems within the context of multimodal transportation. It analyzes strategies the aviation industry employs to address code complexity, including standardization, technological innovation, passenger education, and forward-looking planning. The aim is to build a more efficient and convenient travel ecosystem. The paper highlights the need for continuous adaptation to ensure seamless travel experiences in an increasingly interconnected world.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Iowa Weighs Shorter Truck Following Distances to Boost Platooning

Iowa Weighs Shorter Truck Following Distances to Boost Platooning

Iowa is considering easing following distance restrictions for truck platooning, sparking discussions about technological advancements outpacing regulations and potential job impacts. This technology offers benefits such as improved fuel efficiency and safety, but also faces technical, safety, and regulatory challenges. Governments, businesses, and the public need to collaborate to navigate the transformation of the trucking industry. The debate highlights the need for proactive policy-making to address the implications of autonomous driving technologies in transportation and ensure a smooth transition for all stakeholders.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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FAST Act Reforms Address CSA Transparency Data Quality Issues

FAST Act Reforms Address CSA Transparency Data Quality Issues

The FAST Act is driving changes to the CSA program, aiming to enhance transparency and address data accuracy concerns. The FMCSA will temporarily suspend public access to certain data for data quality assessment and improvement. The Act also includes technology incentives and accident preventability provisions, eliciting mixed reactions from the industry. Data analysts can leverage advanced technologies to contribute to risk prediction and real-time monitoring, collectively promoting transportation safety. This transformation is crucial for ensuring the CSA program remains effective and reliable.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Guide to Shipping Cosmetics Safely to Mexico

Guide to Shipping Cosmetics Safely to Mexico

This article provides a comprehensive guide to shipping cosmetics to Mexico, covering aspects such as packaging, transportation, document preparation, labeling, customs duties, and frequently asked questions. It aims to help readers safely and efficiently send cosmetics to Mexico, avoiding problems like damage during transit and customs clearance issues. The guide offers practical advice on navigating Mexican customs regulations and ensuring a smooth shipping process. By following these guidelines, individuals can minimize potential delays and ensure their cosmetics arrive safely and on time.

01/19/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Uschina Trade Optimizing Ocean Freight and Customs

Uschina Trade Optimizing Ocean Freight and Customs

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the ocean freight route from the United States to China, covering key aspects such as route overview, cargo types, vessel selection, transportation time, and customs clearance. It also addresses frequently asked questions. The aim is to help businesses optimize their US-China trade logistics plans, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and master effective ocean freight customs clearance strategies. This guide is designed to provide practical insights for streamlining the shipping process between the two countries.

01/19/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Global Air Traffic Modernization Plan Unveiled by IATA

Global Air Traffic Modernization Plan Unveiled by IATA

IATA's ASBU (Aviation System Block Upgrade) plan aims to enhance the interconnectedness of airspaces and improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability by modularly upgrading ATM (Air Traffic Management) systems. This approach allows for incremental improvements and facilitates seamless integration of new technologies. The ASBU framework provides a roadmap for modernizing air traffic control infrastructure globally, leading to optimized flight paths, reduced delays, and a more environmentally friendly aviation sector. Ultimately, the plan seeks to create a more efficient and resilient global air transportation network.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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