US Rail Freight Sees Coal Oil Gains Amid Container Decline

US Rail Freight Sees Coal Oil Gains Amid Container Decline

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic showed mixed results for the week ending March 4th. While total carloads decreased year-over-year, shipments of commodities like coal and petroleum increased. However, container traffic experienced a significant decline, weighing down overall freight volume. Year-to-date, both U.S. and North American rail freight volumes have slightly decreased. The future trajectory remains uncertain, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the rail freight industry.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volumes

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volumes

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates mixed performance for U.S. rail freight for the week ending December 6th. Carload traffic increased year-over-year, driven by demand for commodities like coal and grain. However, container traffic declined compared to the previous year, reflecting challenges in global trade. Cumulative data for the first 49 weeks of 2025 shows overall freight volume growth. However, caution is advised regarding the potential impact of future economic uncertainties on rail freight performance. The container decline warrants attention as a potential leading indicator.

01/17/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Container Boom As Coal Demand Falls

US Rail Freight Sees Container Boom As Coal Demand Falls

Recent US rail freight data reveals a significant increase in container traffic driven by e-commerce growth. However, demand for traditional commodities like coal continues to decline, leading to a divergence in overall freight volumes. Year-to-date cumulative freight volume remains lower than last year. Railway companies are actively pursuing diversification and intelligent transformation strategies to address these challenges. The shift reflects broader trends in energy consumption and the evolving landscape of the transportation sector, requiring adaptation and innovation for sustained growth.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Container Volumes Rise As Traditional Cargo Slows

US Rail Freight Container Volumes Rise As Traditional Cargo Slows

The latest data from the Association of American Railroads shows a significant increase in container traffic, reaching a record high, while traditional freight volumes are mixed. Although cumulative year-to-date figures still face pressure, the industry remains confident about the future and is actively transforming and upgrading. It is embracing technological innovation to adapt to market changes. The surge in container shipments suggests a strengthening supply chain and potentially signals positive momentum in the broader economic recovery.

01/17/2026 Logistics
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Experts Share Tips to Avoid Container Shipping Pitfalls

Experts Share Tips to Avoid Container Shipping Pitfalls

This article compiles the container transportation experience shared by freight forwarding expert MD800510, covering transit transportation, damaged/contaminated container handling, and port entry data verification. It aims to help freight forwarding practitioners avoid common problems and improve container transportation efficiency. The insights shared can help streamline processes and minimize potential delays or errors in container shipping operations.

Maersk Enhances Ocean Freight Tracking for Global Shipping

Maersk Enhances Ocean Freight Tracking for Global Shipping

This article provides a detailed guide on how to track sea freight shipment details on the Maersk platform. It covers steps such as logging into your account, using the tracking tool, viewing cargo binders, monitoring container information, and understanding shipping instructions. By mastering these methods, users can easily obtain real-time updates on their cargo's status and respond promptly to unforeseen circumstances, ensuring the safe and timely arrival of goods at their destination.

Guide to Ocean Freight Booking Platforms and Risk Management

Guide to Ocean Freight Booking Platforms and Risk Management

This article delves into various channels for sea freight booking, including direct carrier logistics, booking agents, and freight forwarders, detailing their respective characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. It also introduces major domestic booking platforms and provides suggestions for shippers on choosing the optimal booking method. The aim is to help foreign trade enterprises complete bookings efficiently and safely by understanding the different options and platforms available for sea freight.

Ocean Freight Rates Drop Strategies for Crossborder Sellers

Ocean Freight Rates Drop Strategies for Crossborder Sellers

Sharp declines in sea freight rates and freight forwarders offering low prices appear beneficial for cross-border sellers, but actually conceal risks. This article delves into the reasons behind the falling sea freight prices, warns sellers about low-price traps, and provides practical advice such as selecting freight forwarders carefully and shipping in batches. It aims to help sellers develop steadily amidst changing circumstances. The price war can lead to compromised service and potential financial instability for freight forwarders, impacting sellers' supply chains. Due diligence and diversification are key to mitigating these risks.

Guide to 40GP and 40HC Container Shipping Costs

Guide to 40GP and 40HC Container Shipping Costs

This article provides a detailed analysis of common 40GP/HC container type fee issues in freight forwarding, along with precautions for depot container pickup. It emphasizes the impact of container type, port, and seal on fees, and differentiates between the concepts of discharge port and delivery location to help freight forwarding professionals avoid pitfalls. The analysis covers various factors influencing costs and provides practical guidance for navigating the complexities of container handling and associated charges within the freight forwarding process.