US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Rise Containers Fall

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Rise Containers Fall

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending January 21st, US rail carload traffic increased year-over-year, while container traffic decreased. Significant increases were seen in nonmetallic minerals and coal, while chemicals, grain, and forest products declined. North American rail traffic showed a similar trend, with carload growth offset by container decline, resulting in a slight overall volume decrease. This divergence reflects the current complex economic landscape, indicating both challenges and opportunities.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Container Volumes

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Container Volumes

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending January 21st, U.S. rail carloads increased by 3.3% year-over-year, while container traffic decreased by 6.7%, showing a diverging trend. A similar pattern was observed in overall North American rail freight volume, reflecting economic recovery uncertainties, supply chain challenges, and shifting consumer demand. The mixed performance highlights the complex interplay of factors influencing the transportation sector and its role as a key economic indicator.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rebounds in August on Chemical Intermodal Gains

US Rail Freight Rebounds in August on Chemical Intermodal Gains

US rail freight saw a slight increase in the last week of August, with gains in both carloads and intermodal units. Performance varied across commodity categories. Year-to-date cumulative freight volume also showed growth. This data provides insights into the current economic landscape and can be used for further analysis of freight trends and their impact on the broader economy. The modest uptick suggests continued, albeit uneven, economic activity.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in September Raising Economic Worries

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in September Raising Economic Worries

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both declined year-over-year in the third week of September. Gains in grain and metallic ores were offset by decreases in coal, miscellaneous carloads, and nonmetallic minerals. Despite the recent downturn, year-to-date rail freight and intermodal traffic remain up compared to the same period last year. This suggests a mixed picture of the economy, with some sectors showing growth while others are experiencing contraction, as reflected in the varying commodity transport volumes.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Carload Container Trends in November

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Carload Container Trends in November

U.S. rail freight traffic increased by 4.3%, driven by commodities like coal. However, container traffic decreased by 6.5%. Despite this decline in container volume, the cumulative freight and container volumes for the entire year still showed growth. This indicates a mixed performance in the rail freight sector, with overall positive growth offset by a decrease in container shipping, highlighting the influence of specific commodities on overall freight volume and serving as a potential economic indicator.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains Mask Intermodal Decline Amid Market Shift

US Rail Freight Gains Mask Intermodal Decline Amid Market Shift

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight showed mixed results for the week ending October 18th: carload originations slightly increased, but intermodal volume declined. While year-to-date figures remain positive, growth is slowing. Facing this market adjustment, railway companies need to strengthen infrastructure, optimize transportation organization, expand service offerings, and enhance technological innovation and collaboration to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Up Intermodal Down

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Up Intermodal Down

For the week ending November 8, 2025, US rail freight presented a mixed picture: carload traffic saw a slight increase, while intermodal traffic declined. Year-to-date figures indicate overall growth, but future development faces both opportunities and challenges. These are influenced by various factors including the macroeconomic environment, industry structure, and global trade. The fluctuations highlight the sensitivity of rail freight to broader economic trends and the ongoing evolution of supply chain dynamics. Further analysis is needed to understand the underlying drivers and predict future performance.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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North American Rail Freight Sees Resilient Growth Amid Mixed Trends

North American Rail Freight Sees Resilient Growth Amid Mixed Trends

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a recent divergence in North American rail freight volumes, with some commodity categories experiencing growth while others decline. However, the long-term market outlook remains robust. The future of North American rail freight points towards greater intelligence, sustainability, and integration. It is crucial to proactively address challenges and embrace changes to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the evolving landscape.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rises in August on Chemicals Intermodal Demand

US Rail Freight Rises in August on Chemicals Intermodal Demand

US rail freight volume increased in August, driven by chemicals and minerals, while petroleum and grain declined. Looking long-term, economic recovery and infrastructure investment are expected to drive positive market trends. The growth in specific sectors highlights shifts in demand and production, reflecting broader economic activity. Despite declines in some commodities, the overall increase in rail freight suggests a resilient supply chain and continued industrial output. Further monitoring of these trends will be crucial for understanding the pace and direction of economic recovery.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Stbs New Rules Aim to Ease Rail Freight Rate Disputes

Stbs New Rules Aim to Ease Rail Freight Rate Disputes

The US Surface Transportation Board (STB) has introduced two new rules to streamline railway freight rate dispute resolution, including a voluntary arbitration program and Final Offer Rate Review (FORR). However, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) strongly opposes these rules, citing “fatal flaws” in FORR and arguing the arbitration rules are “backwards.” Whether these new regulations will bring relief to shippers remains challenging, and shippers need to carefully assess the implications. The future impact of these regulations is uncertain amidst ongoing debate and potential legal challenges.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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