US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Loses in Container Volume

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Loses in Container Volume

The latest report from the Association of American Railroads reveals a mixed picture of the US rail freight market. For the week ending December 6th, carload traffic increased by 1.7% year-over-year, while container traffic decreased by 5.4%. Year-to-date figures show a 1.8% increase in both carload and container volume. The report highlights the contrasting trends within the rail freight sector, analyzes the underlying causes, and forecasts future developments. This provides valuable insights for business operations and economic development in the US.

01/17/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

Recent data reveals a mixed performance in the US rail freight market. Carload traffic saw a slight increase, but with significant structural divergence, with nonmetallic minerals outperforming while grains declined. Intermodal volume decreased, potentially due to cooling consumption and inventory adjustments. Year-to-date figures remain positive, but railway companies need to adapt to market changes and seize opportunities. The uneven performance highlights the need for strategic adjustments to navigate the evolving economic landscape and capitalize on growth areas within the rail freight sector.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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USPS Expands Lastmile Delivery to Compete in Logistics

USPS Expands Lastmile Delivery to Compete in Logistics

USPS plans to open its delivery network, allowing shippers to bid on using its postal delivery units to expand delivery reach and achieve same-day/next-day delivery. This initiative aims to leverage USPS's existing infrastructure for faster and more flexible last-mile solutions. By allowing shippers to tap into the USPS network, the organization hopes to increase efficiency and competitiveness in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape. The move could potentially disrupt traditional logistics models and provide shippers with a wider range of delivery options.

01/17/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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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Collaborative Robots Boost Warehouse Efficiency Amid Logistics Strain

Collaborative Robots Boost Warehouse Efficiency Amid Logistics Strain

6 River Systems has upgraded its Chuck robot to improve warehouse picking efficiency and accuracy. This enhancement addresses the challenges in logistics, helping businesses reduce costs, increase efficiency, and enhance competitiveness. The upgraded Chuck robot streamlines order fulfillment processes, optimizing workflows and minimizing errors. By automating and optimizing picking tasks, businesses can achieve faster order processing times and improved customer satisfaction. This solution is designed to meet the growing demands of e-commerce and modern supply chains, providing a scalable and adaptable approach to warehouse automation.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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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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LA and Long Beach Ports Introduce Night Pass to Reduce Congestion

LA and Long Beach Ports Introduce Night Pass to Reduce Congestion

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will implement the Night Gate program by the end of July. This initiative aims to alleviate port congestion and improve freight efficiency by extending terminal operating hours into the early morning and implementing congestion pricing during peak hours. This encourages cargo companies to utilize off-peak times for loading and unloading. The program has been piloted and is currently undergoing system testing. It is expected to significantly increase port throughput capacity and improve traffic conditions by shifting volume and reducing bottlenecks.

09/26/2025 Logistics
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Dongguans Foreign Trade Jumps in Early 2025

Dongguans Foreign Trade Jumps in Early 2025

In the first two months of 2025, Dongguan's total foreign trade import and export value increased by 21.7% year-on-year, reaching 228.38 billion yuan. Import and export to ASEAN saw significant growth. Private enterprises were the main driving force behind the increase, with general trade accounting for more than half. Exports of high-tech products led the way, while traditional industries also maintained growth. This strong start for Dongguan's foreign trade is driven by both internal and external factors, indicating a positive trend in economic transformation and upgrading.

11/03/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Shenzhen Customs Drives Innovation Measures to Stabilize Growth for Foreign Trade Enterprises

Shenzhen Customs Drives Innovation Measures to Stabilize Growth for Foreign Trade Enterprises

In the first three quarters of this year, the Qianhai Bay Free Trade Port in Shenzhen achieved a cross-border e-commerce clearance value of 430 million yuan, a staggering increase of 48.5 times year-on-year. This remarkable growth is attributed to innovative measures introduced by Shenzhen Customs, such as expedited clearance and integrated operations within the port area, which significantly improved efficiency and reduced costs for businesses. Moreover, the development of foreign trade enterprises was further promoted through internet platforms and dedicated services, enhancing the appeal of the free trade zone.

11/10/2023 Logistics
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Yingkou Port: Supporting the Belt and Road Strategy, Creating a New Landscape for Container Transportation

Yingkou Port: Supporting the Belt and Road Strategy, Creating a New Landscape for Container Transportation

Yingkou Port actively participates in the Belt and Road initiative, with a 4% increase in throughput in the first three quarters. Both foreign trade and container volumes have significantly risen, and new international trains to Europe have been launched, establishing a sea-rail intermodal network that enhances its role as a key transit hub in Northeast Asia. Domestic trade routes cover over 30 ports with 420 flights, promoting the port's digital transformation and integration into cross-border e-commerce. Yingkou Port demonstrates great development potential, contributing to regional economic growth.

11/21/2023 Logistics
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