Multimodal Freight Market Strains Amid Capacity Shortages Higher Costs

Multimodal Freight Market Strains Amid Capacity Shortages Higher Costs

The North American Multimodal Transportation Association's annual meeting highlighted the dual challenges of capacity constraints and rising costs facing freight companies. The report analyzes the current state and trends in trucking and rail transportation, proposing strategies for shippers to cope with these challenges. It emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and forecasts the future direction of multimodal transportation. The meeting stressed the need for adaptability and strategic planning in the face of evolving market dynamics within the freight and supply chain landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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 Automotive Grain Up As Intermodal Lags

US Rail Freight Automotive Grain Up As Intermodal Lags

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported a mixed performance in U.S. rail freight for the week ending March 21. Traditional carload traffic saw a slight year-over-year decrease, but grain and automotive shipments performed strongly. Intermodal volume, however, bucked the trend and increased. Year-to-date figures show a small increase in carload volume, while intermodal volume experienced a slight decline. The U.S. rail freight market is undergoing a transformation and upgrade, requiring proactive responses to challenges and the seizing of opportunities.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Carloads Rise As Container Volumes Decline

US Rail Freight Carloads Rise As Container Volumes Decline

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending January 17th, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 0.3% year-over-year, while container traffic decreased by 2.4%. Grain and chemical shipments were the primary drivers of carload growth. The decline in container traffic may indicate weakening consumer demand. The full-year trend remains to be seen, and the rail freight market faces both challenges and opportunities.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carloads increased by 3.3% year-over-year in late January, driven primarily by nonmetallic minerals and coal. However, intermodal traffic decreased by 6.7% year-over-year, suggesting weaker consumer demand. Year-to-date, carloads have increased by 3%, while intermodal traffic has declined by 8.4%. Overall North American rail traffic has slightly decreased, reflecting a complex economic outlook. The contrasting trends in carload and intermodal volumes highlight the mixed signals within the current economic landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines in February Raising Economic Worries

US Rail Freight Declines in February Raising Economic Worries

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both declined year-over-year for the week ending February 4th. While shipments of commodities like motor vehicles and petroleum increased, coal and grain volumes decreased. Overall, North American rail performance was weak, reflecting regional economic linkages and global economic downturn risks. The decline in freight volume may signal a potential economic slowdown and challenges for the supply chain.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Container Growth Offset Coal Decline

US Rail Freight Sees Container Growth Offset Coal Decline

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight performance in October was mixed. Container traffic increased year-over-year, reaching a 28-month high, driven by economic resilience and supply chain optimization. However, coal transportation declined, dragging down overall carload volume. Year-to-date figures also show a decrease in container traffic, influenced by the energy transition. The Panama Canal congestion may boost demand for rail container transport. The rail freight market faces both opportunities and challenges in the future.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Major Investments Aim to Revive Struggling Rail Freight Sector

Major Investments Aim to Revive Struggling Rail Freight Sector

Facing declining service quality and poor performance, rail and intermodal service providers are investing heavily to return to pre-recession peaks. These investments focus on upgrading infrastructure, optimizing operational processes, and adopting advanced technologies. Beyond hardware upgrades, industry experts emphasize the importance of software-level optimization for achieving significant improvements in efficiency and profitability. The goal is to enhance service reliability, reduce costs, and improve overall return on investment through strategic operational improvements and technological advancements.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Estes Express Opens New Freight Terminal in Dayton Ohio

Estes Express Opens New Freight Terminal in Dayton Ohio

Estes Express Lines has opened a new freight terminal in Dayton, Ohio, to support regional business growth. This expansion strengthens its operational capabilities within Ohio, creates job opportunities, and signals a positive development trend for the freight industry. By localizing operations, Estes aims to improve service quality and capitalize on economic recovery opportunities, ultimately providing customers with enhanced freight services. The new terminal will streamline logistics and contribute to faster, more reliable deliveries in the region.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Freight Spending Hits Record High Amid Economic Recovery

US Freight Spending Hits Record High Amid Economic Recovery

The Bank of America Freight Payment Index indicates substantial growth in both US freight spending and shipment volumes in Q3, signaling economic recovery. Freight spending experienced its largest increase in a decade, while shipment volumes saw a steady rise for the third consecutive quarter. Regional performance varied, with the Northeast showing the largest gains and the Southeast impacted by hurricanes. The report highlights positive signs of economic recovery, but also points to challenges facing the market. Overall, the data suggests a strengthening economy driven by increased freight activity.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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