US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal for November 2025

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal for November 2025

U.S. rail freight data for the last week of November 2025 presents a mixed picture. Carload traffic increased by 4.3% year-over-year, with strong performance in coal, nonmetallic minerals, and grain. However, intermodal traffic decreased by 6.5% year-over-year, potentially due to supply chain factors. Year-to-date figures indicate steady growth in rail freight. Businesses should closely monitor market trends, optimize supply chains, diversify transportation modes, and strengthen risk management to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains Carloads but Loses Intermodal Traffic

US Rail Freight Gains Carloads but Loses Intermodal Traffic

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending November 29th, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 4.3% year-over-year, primarily driven by growth in coal, minerals, and grain shipments. However, intermodal traffic experienced a 6.5% year-over-year decline. Year-to-date figures show growth in both carload and intermodal volumes, but the future growth outlook remains uncertain. The mixed performance highlights the complexities of the current freight market and the influence of various economic factors on rail transportation.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Coal Slumps in Container Traffic

US Rail Freight Gains in Coal Slumps in Container Traffic

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that for the week ending November 29th, US rail freight traffic increased year-over-year, while intermodal traffic declined, indicating a 'hot carload, cold container' situation. Demand for coal, minerals, and grain is strong, while miscellaneous freight, forest products, and chemicals are down. Year-to-date figures still show growth. However, global economic uncertainties pose challenges. Digital transformation could present opportunities for the rail freight sector to adapt and thrive in the changing landscape.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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North American Rail Freight Gains Mask Container Volume Drop

North American Rail Freight Gains Mask Container Volume Drop

Data from the Association of American Railroads reveals a mixed performance in the U.S. rail freight market for the week ending November 8th. Carload traffic saw a slight increase of 0.1%, driven by nonmetallic minerals and grain. However, intermodal traffic (containers and trailers) declined by 8.7% year-over-year, potentially indicating weaker consumer demand. Despite this, cumulative freight volume for the first 45 weeks of 2025 remains positive. The impact of global economic uncertainties on future performance warrants close monitoring.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Decline Signals Economic Concerns

US Rail Freight Decline Signals Economic Concerns

Recent data reveals a year-over-year decline in both U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume, with divergent trends across specific sectors. Cumulative data presents a mixed picture. As a bellwether of economic activity, rail freight volume is influenced by macroeconomic factors and industry restructuring. Companies should closely monitor the economic situation, strengthen risk management, and enhance competitiveness through technological innovation. The future of the rail freight industry presents both challenges and opportunities.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Trucking Rebounds in September Amid Retail Housing Demand

US Trucking Rebounds in September Amid Retail Housing Demand

American Trucking Associations data shows a significant rebound in the truck tonnage index for September, although year-over-year it remains down. Strong demand in retail and residential construction contrasts with continued weakness in industrial freight, highlighting a clear market divergence. Looking ahead, attention should be paid to structural economic changes. Companies need to refine their operations and adjust their strategies to navigate this evolving landscape. This requires a more nuanced approach to capacity management and market segmentation.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Freight Tonnage Dips Amid Uneven Economic Recovery

US Freight Tonnage Dips Amid Uneven Economic Recovery

The American Trucking Associations reported a 0.9% seasonally adjusted tonnage decrease in US freight volume for August, but a 3.2% year-over-year increase. Weak manufacturing, inventory buildup, and slowing economic growth are key influencing factors. Businesses need to strengthen risk management, optimize operational efficiency, and expand into diversified markets to address these challenges. Freight data reflects the complexity of the economy, requiring in-depth analysis to navigate future developments. Understanding these trends is crucial for strategic planning and informed decision-making in the logistics and supply chain sectors.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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US Trucking Volume Decline Signals Economic Concerns

US Trucking Volume Decline Signals Economic Concerns

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) reported a slight month-over-month decrease in freight volume for August, but year-over-year growth remained. Economists attribute the slowdown to manufacturing weakness and inventory overhang. Logistics companies should closely monitor market dynamics, optimize operational efficiency, diversify services, strengthen customer relationships, and invest in technology to navigate the uncertainty. These strategies are crucial for maintaining competitiveness and adapting to evolving economic conditions in the freight transportation sector.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Container Volumes

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Container Volumes

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending January 21st, U.S. rail carloads increased by 3.3% year-over-year, while container traffic decreased by 6.7%, showing a diverging trend. A similar pattern was observed in overall North American rail freight volume, reflecting economic recovery uncertainties, supply chain challenges, and shifting consumer demand. The mixed performance highlights the complex interplay of factors influencing the transportation sector and its role as a key economic indicator.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Manufacturing Sector Gains Strength in October ISM Report

US Manufacturing Sector Gains Strength in October ISM Report

The US ISM Manufacturing Report for October 2021 showed a Manufacturing PMI of 60.8, slightly below September but still indicating expansion for the 17th consecutive month. Most industries reported growth, although new orders slowed. Production was constrained, and employment improved despite labor shortages. Supply chains remained tight, and prices continued to rise. Experts view the data as exceeding expectations, but challenges persist, highlighting the need to focus on supply chain issues, labor availability, and rising costs.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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