US Rail Antitrust Bill Stirs Debate As Freight Costs Climb

US Rail Antitrust Bill Stirs Debate As Freight Costs Climb

The US Senate has reintroduced a railroad antitrust bill aimed at breaking up "captive shipping", promoting competition in the rail industry, and lowering freight rates. The bill is welcomed by shippers and the American Chemistry Council but strongly opposed by the Association of American Railroads, which argues it will negatively impact investment in rail infrastructure. A heated debate ensues regarding whether the rail industry should be subject to antitrust laws. The core issue revolves around balancing competition and the need for infrastructure investment in the rail sector.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Rises in July Hinting at Economic Rebound

US Rail Freight Rises in July Hinting at Economic Rebound

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates robust rail freight and intermodal volumes in July, reaching record highs. Strong performance was observed in sectors like automotive, energy, and construction materials, with intermodal continuing its upward trend. This growth in rail freight volume potentially signals an ongoing economic recovery in the United States. However, the industry still faces challenges including aging infrastructure, labor shortages, and increased competition. The sustained growth needs to be carefully analyzed in light of these existing constraints.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Winter Carload Drop Amid Intermodal Growth

US Rail Freight Sees Winter Carload Drop Amid Intermodal Growth

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight in February presented a mixed picture. Carload volume plummeted 11.1% year-over-year, dragged down by declining demand for coal, building materials, and automobiles. However, container traffic bucked the trend, growing by 1.8%, demonstrating the resilience of intermodal transportation. Severe weather exacerbated the challenges for traditional freight, highlighting the impact of economic restructuring and supply chain bottlenecks. Rail freight needs to actively transform, embracing intermodal solutions and digital technologies, to achieve a resurgence.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 2% for the week ending September 17, with coal, nonmetallic minerals, and motor vehicles leading the gains. Intermodal traffic, however, decreased by 7.3%. Year-to-date, carload traffic is up slightly by 0.3%, while intermodal traffic is down 5.1%. Total North American rail volume also declined year-over-year. These diverging trends are influenced by various factors. Railroad companies need to proactively address challenges and seize opportunities in the future.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rebounds in Early 2025 Amid Economic Recovery

US Rail Freight Rebounds in Early 2025 Amid Economic Recovery

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows significant growth in U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume during the third week of January, with gains across various commodities. Coal, chemicals, and nonmetallic minerals led the increase. Cumulative data from early 2025 also indicate continued positive momentum. Key drivers include economic recovery, supply chain easing, increased energy demand, and infrastructure development. The industry faces both opportunities and challenges, requiring continuous innovation to thrive.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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Workington Port Emerges As Vital West Coast Multimodal Hub

Workington Port Emerges As Vital West Coast Multimodal Hub

Workington Port, a municipal port on the west coast of Cumbria, England, specializes in handling various bulk cargoes, providing excellent port handling and warehousing services. The port boasts modern quayside facilities and convenient rail freight services, enabling seamless sea-rail intermodal transport. This allows Workington Port to offer customers sustainable door-to-door freight solutions.

09/29/2025 Port Encyclopedia
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US Rail Freight Volumes Decline in October Amid Strong Annual Growth

US Rail Freight Volumes Decline in October Amid Strong Annual Growth

US rail freight volumes have recently declined, yet cumulative year-to-date figures show growth. Performance varies across different commodity categories. Factors such as the macroeconomic environment warrant attention to understand future development trends. Monitoring these aspects is crucial for grasping the overall trajectory of rail freight and its impact on the US economy.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Navis Buys Biarri Rail to Boost Global Portrail Digitalization

Navis Buys Biarri Rail to Boost Global Portrail Digitalization

Navis acquired Biarri Rail to expand inland transportation solutions, improve sea-rail intermodal efficiency, and enhance global market competitiveness. By integrating Biarri Rail's rail freight planning and optimization software with Navis' N4 terminal operating system, the acquisition aims to achieve seamless connectivity between seaports and railways, optimize resource allocation, reduce operating costs, and drive digital transformation of the global freight supply chain. This integration promises to streamline operations and improve overall supply chain visibility and efficiency.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Freight Volume Reaches Record High Despite Economic Challenges

US Freight Volume Reaches Record High Despite Economic Challenges

The U.S. Freight Transportation Services Index (Freight TSI) reached a record high of 142.4 in June, surpassing the previous peak in August 2019. Despite mixed economic indicators, the increase in freight volume reflects economic resilience. Growth was observed across trucking, rail, air, and water transportation, while rail intermodal and pipeline transportation declined. Businesses should pay close attention to macroeconomic conditions, consumer demand, supply chain dynamics, and regulatory changes to adapt their strategies accordingly.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Gains Carloads but Loses Intermodal Amid Economic Uncertainty

US Rail Freight Gains Carloads but Loses Intermodal Amid Economic Uncertainty

U.S. rail freight data shows carload traffic growth driven by coal and automotive sectors, while intermodal volume declined due to weak imports. Year-to-date figures reflect a similar trend, with mixed performance across North American railroads. Economic uncertainty is a key factor. The rail transportation industry faces challenges like energy transition, technological innovation, and increased competition. However, opportunities exist in infrastructure development and e-commerce growth. Overall performance reflects broader economic trends and highlights the evolving landscape of the rail freight sector.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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