US Rail Freight Rises Slightly Intermodal Declines in October

US Rail Freight Rises Slightly Intermodal Declines in October

U.S. rail freight saw a slight increase in overall volume, while intermodal transportation experienced a decline. Certain freight categories demonstrated growth, while others decreased. Despite short-term fluctuations, the long-term trend remains positive. Railroad companies need to improve operational efficiency and adapt to evolving market demands to capitalize on future opportunities. This includes optimizing resource allocation, enhancing customer service, and embracing technological advancements to maintain competitiveness and sustain growth in the rail freight sector.

01/17/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Networks Face Challenges and Opportunities in Intermodal Freight

US Rail Networks Face Challenges and Opportunities in Intermodal Freight

Larry Gross analyzes the intermodal transportation market, highlighting railroad cooperation as a significant trend. However, he cautions about the risks associated with mergers and acquisitions, as well as the impact of tariffs. Businesses should remain adaptable and flexible in response to these evolving market dynamics. The analysis emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and proactive measures to navigate the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the changing landscape of intermodal freight transportation.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Unions Companies Reach Tentative Deals to Avoid Strikes

US Rail Unions Companies Reach Tentative Deals to Avoid Strikes

Significant progress has been made in US railroad labor negotiations. Two major unions reached tentative agreements with freight rail companies, potentially averting a rail service disruption that could have begun on September 16th. These agreements, reached under the recommendations of the Presidential Emergency Board (PEB), involve wage increases and lump-sum payments. While some unions have yet to reach agreements, parties are actively seeking solutions to ensure the stable operation of the rail transportation network.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Strike Threatens Supply Chains Sparks Business Concerns

US Rail Strike Threatens Supply Chains Sparks Business Concerns

The US faces its first nationwide railroad strike threat in 30 years, potentially causing $2 billion in daily economic losses and disrupting the global supply chain. This article analyzes the potential impacts of the strike, including cargo transportation disruptions, retail product shortages, and increased inflation. It explores possible solutions such as congressional intervention and third-party arbitration. Furthermore, it offers strategic recommendations for businesses to mitigate the crisis, including risk assessment, identifying alternative solutions, and increasing inventory levels.

12/31/2025 Logistics
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US House Approves Rail Strike Bill Pushes for Paid Sick Leave

US House Approves Rail Strike Bill Pushes for Paid Sick Leave

The US House of Representatives passed a legislative package aimed at averting a nationwide railroad strike. The package includes resolutions to enforce the existing agreement (containing pay raises and healthcare benefits) and add seven days of paid sick leave. The passage of this package in the Senate remains uncertain, directly impacting the lifeline of the American economy. The potential strike could cripple supply chains and significantly disrupt various industries, making the Senate vote crucial for preventing widespread economic damage.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Union Pacific Norfolk Southern Pursue Transcontinental Rail Merger

Union Pacific Norfolk Southern Pursue Transcontinental Rail Merger

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have submitted a merger application to create the first transcontinental railroad in the United States, connecting the East and West Coasts and over a hundred ports. This initiative aims to improve transportation efficiency, reduce costs, and boost trade. However, potential impacts on market competition, employment, and the environment need to be considered. The merger's success hinges on addressing these concerns while realizing the promised benefits of a more streamlined and integrated national rail network.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Carload Rises As Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Carload Rises As Intermodal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic showed divergence in the week ending August 14. Carload traffic increased by 5.7% year-over-year, driven by demand for commodities like coal and metallic ores. Intermodal traffic decreased by 3% year-over-year, constrained by port congestion and other factors. Year-to-date figures show carload and intermodal traffic up 9% and 14.6% respectively. Railroad companies need to adopt differentiated strategies to address the changing market dynamics.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Safety Upgrades Delayed Amid PTC System Push

US Rail Safety Upgrades Delayed Amid PTC System Push

The U.S. House of Representatives has introduced a new bill proposing to extend the deadline for Positive Train Control (PTC) system implementation to the end of 2018, sparking debate on railroad safety upgrades. The PTC system aims to prevent train accidents but faces technical and economic challenges. The call for extension stems from implementation difficulties and potential economic impacts. The FRA is adopting a combination of regulation and penalties. The future requires a balance between safety and efficiency.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Unions Assess Union Pacificnorfolk Southern Merger

US Rail Unions Assess Union Pacificnorfolk Southern Merger

The proposed $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern has sparked controversy within US railroad unions. BLET and BMWED, representing over half of unionized employees, state that most members oppose the merger, fearing layoffs, wage reductions, and other negative impacts. The unions are calling for the protection of employee rights and urging regulators to conduct a thorough assessment of the merger's potential consequences. They emphasize the need for guarantees safeguarding workers' interests in any final agreement.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Three US Rail Unions Reach Tentative Labor Deal

Three US Rail Unions Reach Tentative Labor Deal

Three major US railway unions have reached a tentative labor agreement with freight rail companies, offering hope to avert a potential nationwide railroad strike on September 16th. The agreement includes wage increases and lump-sum payments. However, the final agreement still faces challenges, and all parties need to continue working to ensure the stability of the US economy. This averted strike would have had significant impacts on supply chains and the transportation of goods across the country.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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