US Multimodal Transport Faces Supply Chain Challenges Experts Warn

US Multimodal Transport Faces Supply Chain Challenges Experts Warn

Multimodal expert Larry Gross highlighted significant challenges facing US intermodal transportation at the RailTrends conference, citing port congestion, capacity constraints, and declining market share. He emphasized the diffused responsibility for the supply chain crisis, advocating for increased resilience. Gross predicted a future market shift from west to east, with a corresponding increase in trucking's share. While the damage inflicted in 2021 is repairable, it will require substantial effort. The focus should be on building a more robust and adaptable intermodal system to mitigate future disruptions.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Imports Stay Elevated As Port Delays Continue

US Imports Stay Elevated As Port Delays Continue

According to the Descartes Global Shipping Report, US imports in August decreased by 3% month-over-month but remained high, up 12.9% year-over-year, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. This high import volume exacerbates port congestion, with delays increasing at the seven major ports. Chinese imports remain a significant driver, growing by 17.2%. The report reveals a slight decrease in the West Coast ports' share and a general increase in port transportation delays. Addressing port congestion requires increased infrastructure investment, optimized operations, and improved inland transportation.

01/21/2026 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

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a divergence in US rail freight volume in late January. Carload traffic increased by 3.3% year-over-year, driven by nonmetallic minerals, coal, and automotive industries. However, container transport decreased by 6.7% year-over-year, potentially due to shifts in consumer spending and supply chain adjustments. Overall freight volume in North America exhibited a similar trend. The increase in carload was enough to offset the container decrease, showing resilience in certain sectors of the rail freight market.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Dachser Deploys Hydrogen Trucks for Zeroemission Logistics in Europe

Dachser Deploys Hydrogen Trucks for Zeroemission Logistics in Europe

Dachser is actively deploying hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks, aiming to build a zero-emission logistics network in Europe. This initiative offers valuable lessons for the transformation of China's road freight. China needs to expand the scale of hydrogen fuel cell trucks, improve hydrogen refueling infrastructure, and increase R&D in hydrogen energy technology to achieve its green freight goals. This includes promoting technological innovation and supporting policy frameworks to facilitate the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the logistics sector.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Retail Sales Show Mixed Signals in September

US Retail Sales Show Mixed Signals in September

September retail data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Retail Federation (NRF) presents a mixed picture. While the Department of Commerce reported a month-over-month decrease in total retail sales, there was a year-over-year increase. Furthermore, total retail sales grew by 4.5% from July to September compared to the previous year. This divergence highlights the complexities of the economic recovery. Future retail performance will be significantly influenced by factors such as the holiday season and broader macroeconomic conditions.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Water Infrastructure Bill to Upgrade Ports Boost Resilience

US Water Infrastructure Bill to Upgrade Ports Boost Resilience

The US Congress has reached an agreement on the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. This bill will improve port dredging depths, increase federal funding support, and authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to initiate multiple water resources projects. Ports are expected to be the biggest beneficiaries, but funding allocation and project implementation still face challenges. The WIIN Act marks a new beginning for water resources development in the United States, requiring joint efforts from all parties to ensure its effective implementation.

01/29/2026 Port Encyclopedia
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North American Intermodal Growth Rises on Domestic Container Demand

North American Intermodal Growth Rises on Domestic Container Demand

The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) reports a 4.5% year-over-year increase in North American intermodal volume in Q1, with domestic container shipments leading the growth. Lower fuel costs, improved service, and railway investments are key drivers. Experts note that transloading and base effects also contribute. International container growth exceeded expectations, while trailer volume decline narrowed. Intermodal marketing companies saw revenue growth despite lower loadings. The outlook for the intermodal market is positive, suggesting opportunities for businesses to capitalize on the momentum.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Modernize Short Line Railroad Tax Credits

Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Modernize Short Line Railroad Tax Credits

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) appreciates the bipartisan Senate bill aimed at improving the short line railroad tax credit. This legislation seeks to modernize the tax credit policy by adjusting the credit cap, expanding its scope, and establishing an inflation-linked mechanism. These changes are designed to encourage short line railroads to increase investment in infrastructure, thereby promoting regional economic development. The improvements will make the tax credit more effective in supporting crucial infrastructure upgrades for these vital transportation links.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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North American Intermodal Rebounds in Q4 Amid Annual Challenges

North American Intermodal Rebounds in Q4 Amid Annual Challenges

The North American intermodal market saw year-over-year growth in Q4 2023, ending a nine-quarter decline, though full-year figures remained down. Inventory reduction, economic growth, and the resolution of West Coast labor contracts were key drivers of the Q4 increase. Intermodal is expected to continue growing in 2024 but faces challenges from trucking competition and global "X factors." The recovery suggests a positive trend in the freight market, potentially linked to broader economic recovery efforts, but sustained growth depends on navigating these external pressures.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Cathay Pacific Cargo Volumes Jump As Uschina Trade Eases

Cathay Pacific Cargo Volumes Jump As Uschina Trade Eases

Cathay Pacific saw a significant increase in international air cargo volume in May, boosted by easing US-China trade tensions and increased capacity. Cargo volume rose by 8.1% year-on-year to 734 million FTKs, with tonnage up by 12.2%. The suspension of US-China tariffs boosted short-term demand, with strong performance in live animal transport. Market sentiment is expected to remain stable in June, but close attention to market dynamics is needed. Hong Kong airport's cargo volume growth slowed, with transit cargo providing support.

06/23/2025 Logistics
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