US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

The US rail freight market is diverging: carload traffic is up slightly, driven by demand for autos, coal, and agricultural products. However, intermodal container volume continues to decline due to easing port congestion, truck competition, and cooling consumer spending. Year-to-date figures are mixed, with overall North American rail performance weak. Rail freight faces challenges including economic downturns, supply chain instability, and increased competition, but also opportunities in sustainable development and technological innovation.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Auto Petroleum Up As Coal Declines

US Rail Freight Auto Petroleum Up As Coal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic decreased by 7.9% year-over-year for the week ending May 9, while intermodal traffic increased by 3.8%, showing a diverging trend. Shipments of motor vehicles & parts and petroleum products increased, while coal shipments decreased significantly. Year-to-date, rail freight traffic is down 1.8%, and intermodal traffic is up 1.7%. Rail freight companies need to actively transform and expand their intermodal transportation business.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rises in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Rises in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a mixed picture for the US rail freight market in late January. Carload traffic experienced a slight increase, driven by sectors like nonmetallic minerals, coal, and automotive. However, intermodal traffic continued to decline, potentially due to easing port congestion, inventory adjustments, and slowing consumer spending. Overall, North American rail freight saw a slight decrease. The rail freight market faces a future with both challenges and opportunities.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Intermodal Volumes Decline in Late September

US Rail Freight Intermodal Volumes Decline in Late September

For the week ending September 20, 2025, US rail freight volume decreased by 1.8% year-over-year, and intermodal volume decreased by 2.5%. Grain and metallic ores shipments increased, while coal, miscellaneous carloads, and nonmetallic minerals declined. Despite the recent downturn, year-to-date rail freight volume is up 2.2%, and intermodal volume is up 3.6% compared to 2024. Macroeconomic conditions, industry-specific factors, and supply chain issues can all influence rail transport volumes.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Quanzhou Port Emerges As Key Hub on Maritime Silk Road

Quanzhou Port Emerges As Key Hub on Maritime Silk Road

As a first-class open port in the country, Quanzhou Port has an annual throughput of over 120 million tons, ranking second in Fujian. As a key node of the Maritime Silk Road, Quanzhou Port connects Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and European and American markets through its standardized import and export processes and 24-hour operational mode, providing comprehensive logistics services.

08/05/2025 Port Encyclopedia
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Belt And Road Initiative Reduces Cross-border E-commerce Costs

Belt And Road Initiative Reduces Cross-border E-commerce Costs

The Belt and Road Initiative is significantly improving international logistics, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of cross-border online shopping. International logistics companies are innovating their logistics organization methods, focusing on reducing freight costs and shortening customs clearance times. Consumers will find purchasing Southeast Asian fruits and other goods cheaper, leading to a smoother shopping experience and further promoting the development of cross-border e-commerce.

07/21/2025 Logistics
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Chinaeurope Maritime Trade Revives Ancient Silk Road Via New Pacts

Chinaeurope Maritime Trade Revives Ancient Silk Road Via New Pacts

China-Europe maritime trade has a long history, with the 2002 maritime agreement marking a significant milestone. This agreement facilitated the growth of trade between China and Europe, and shipping routes now span the globe. Looking ahead, China-Europe maritime transport is poised for development towards intelligence, green practices, interconnectivity, and free trade, promising a bright future. The agreement significantly boosted trade volume and fostered closer economic ties between the two regions.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Trucking Group Pushes Congress for Road Upgrades in Infrastructure Bill

Trucking Group Pushes Congress for Road Upgrades in Infrastructure Bill

The ATA urges Congress to oversee IIJA funding, prioritizing new construction and road upgrades over mere maintenance to alleviate congestion and enhance competitiveness. They believe that focusing on new projects will provide long-term benefits for the trucking industry and the economy as a whole. The ATA emphasizes the importance of strategic infrastructure investments to meet growing transportation demands and achieve emissions targets by improving efficiency and reducing idling time for trucks.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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CPKC Merger Ushers in New Era for North American Rail

CPKC Merger Ushers in New Era for North American Rail

Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) acquired Kansas City Southern (KCS), creating the first single-line rail network connecting the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This aims to improve cross-border trade efficiency, enhance market competitiveness, promote North American economic development, and improve the environmental benefits of rail transport. The merged company, CPKC, will face challenges in cultural, operational, and customer integration. Its success will determine its position in the North American rail transportation landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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