US Rail Freight Slumps in May Amid Economic Uncertainty

US Rail Freight Slumps in May Amid Economic Uncertainty

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a year-over-year decline in U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes in May, reflecting a mixed economic picture. Performance varied across sectors, with some industries recovering while grain and metals shipments decreased. Year-to-date freight volumes showed slight growth, but intermodal remained weak. Factors like global economic slowdown, supply chain disruptions, and volatile energy prices impact the freight market. Future challenges require increased investment and improved efficiency.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Shifts Autos Petroleum Rise As Coal Falls

US Rail Freight Shifts Autos Petroleum Rise As Coal Falls

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic diverged in the week ending May 9th. Traditional freight carloads declined year-over-year, while motor vehicles and petroleum products showed strong performance. Coal continued to face pressure. Intermodal traffic increased year-over-year, but the growth rate slowed. Year-to-date, traditional freight carloads have slightly decreased, while intermodal traffic has grown. Railroad companies need to actively address challenges and seize opportunities to achieve sustainable development.

02/12/2026 Logistics
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Gross Outlines Multimodal Growth Strategies at Railtrends

Gross Outlines Multimodal Growth Strategies at Railtrends

At the RailTrends conference, Larry Gross, President of Gross Transportation Consulting, analyzed the current state and future of the multimodal transportation market. He believes that despite competition from trucking, significant opportunities exist for multimodal growth by improving service, optimizing operations, embracing technology, and focusing on sustainability. Government support is also crucial for realizing this potential and overcoming challenges in the intermodal sector. These strategies are key to enhancing the efficiency and appeal of rail-based intermodal solutions.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Volumes Rise in Late April Signaling Recovery

US Rail Freight Volumes Rise in Late April Signaling Recovery

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic for the week ending April 26 increased by 9.0% year-over-year, with intermodal volume up 2.6%. Year-to-date, total freight traffic rose 1.5%, and intermodal volume grew by 8.0%. Increased shipments were observed in coal, grain, and chemicals, while nonmetallic minerals, motor vehicles, and petroleum products saw declines. These figures suggest signs of economic recovery, but structural shifts and long-term trends warrant close attention.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Faces Growth Challenges and Opportunities in 2025

US Rail Freight Faces Growth Challenges and Opportunities in 2025

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic decreased year-over-year for the week ending November 1st, but cumulative freight and intermodal traffic for the first 44 weeks of 2025 increased year-over-year. The report reveals specific performance across commodity categories and suggests strategic recommendations including diversified investments, strengthened supply chain management, and embracing technological innovation. These strategies aim to help businesses seize opportunities, address challenges, and succeed in the future.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Growth Slows Amid Shifting Demand

US Rail Freight Growth Slows Amid Shifting Demand

For the week of October 4, 2025, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes increased year-over-year, but growth decelerated. Freight volume saw a slight increase of 0.002%, while intermodal grew by 6.7%. Declining coal shipments reflect the ongoing energy transition. Supply chain challenges continue to limit intermodal's full potential. Year-to-date figures still indicate overall growth. Future focus should be on infrastructure investment, technological innovation, and sustainable development to maintain momentum and address evolving market dynamics.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rebounds in August with Volume Growth

US Rail Freight Rebounds in August with Volume Growth

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic experienced year-over-year growth in the first week of August, with both carload and intermodal volumes increasing. Metallic ores and coal led carload shipments, while continued growth in intermodal freight reflects a recovery in consumer demand. Year-to-date cumulative data shows solid growth, but the industry still faces challenges such as labor shortages and aging infrastructure. Embracing change is crucial for a successful future.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Union Pacific Expands Houston Port Rail Links to Five Key Markets

Union Pacific Expands Houston Port Rail Links to Five Key Markets

Union Pacific is expanding its intermodal services at Port Houston, allowing containers to be loaded directly from the port onto railcars. This service provides direct rail access to five major metropolitan areas: Denver, Salt Lake City, Oakland, Los Angeles, and El Paso. The initiative aims to improve transportation efficiency, reduce costs, alleviate highway congestion, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, benefiting both customers and the community. This expansion further solidifies Union Pacific's leading position in the intermodal market.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Key Facts About VGM in Air Freight for Shippers

Key Facts About VGM in Air Freight for Shippers

This article provides an in-depth analysis of VGM (Verified Gross Mass) requirements in international air freight, clarifying that VGM declaration is not mandatory for air transport. However, it emphasizes the importance of accurate gross weight information. The paper also details the key differences in VGM requirements between air and sea freight and offers practical considerations for combined sea-air transport. The aim is to help readers avoid unnecessary document submissions and ensure a smooth air freight process by understanding the nuances of weight verification in different transport modes.

01/15/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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BNSF Launches Faster Latohouston Freight Service to Improve Logistics

BNSF Launches Faster Latohouston Freight Service to Improve Logistics

BNSF Railway launched a new service on July 10, offering fast freight transport from Los Angeles to Houston within three days. This significant improvement in logistics efficiency promises a service level comparable to trucking, addressing customer demand for quick transportation and highlighting the importance of rail transport in modern logistics.

08/06/2025 Logistics
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