Union Pacific and CSX have upgraded their UMAX intermodal service, adding a new route from Detroit to Laredo. This initiative aims to combine the strengths of rail and trucking, enhancing the efficiency of US-Mexico trade and reducing logistics costs for businesses. This upgrade signals the growing potential of intermodal transportation in North America.
This logistics management podcast features rail freight expert Tony Hatch, providing an in-depth discussion of the US rail freight, intermodal market, and US-Mexico trade. Hatch analyzes the current market situation, development trends, policy impacts, and key considerations for shippers. He offers professional advice for businesses to optimize their supply chains and develop effective transportation strategies. The podcast explores the challenges and opportunities within the rail freight sector, providing valuable insights for companies involved in cross-border trade and domestic transportation.
US rail freight and intermodal volumes declined year-over-year in late April. Gains in motor vehicles and farm products were offset by declines in commodities such as coal. Overall North American rail freight volume also decreased. The dip highlights ongoing shifts in commodity demand and transportation patterns across the region. Further analysis is needed to determine the long-term implications for the rail freight industry.
For the week ending January 14th, U.S. rail freight carload traffic increased by 4.2%, while intermodal traffic decreased by 7%. Year-to-date, carload traffic is up 2.9%, and intermodal traffic is down 9.2%. This suggests a potential shift in freight transportation preferences or underlying economic factors affecting different modes of transport. The diverging trends between carload and intermodal volumes warrant further investigation to understand the driving forces behind these changes.
For the week ending February 10, 2024, U.S. rail carload traffic decreased by 2.5%, while intermodal traffic increased by 11.1%. Year-to-date figures show a decrease of 6.4% in carloads and an increase of 6.5% in intermodal volume. These figures provide insights into the current state of freight transportation and can be used as economic indicators.
According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes both increased year-over-year for the week ending April 26. Rail freight volume rose by 9.0%, primarily driven by increased shipments of coal, grain, and chemicals. Intermodal volume grew by 2.6%. Year-to-date figures show a 1.5% increase in rail freight volume and an 8.0% increase in intermodal volume, suggesting a steady recovery in the rail freight market.
According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic decreased year-over-year in the week ending February 4th, though cumulative traffic still shows growth. Performance varies across sectors, with significant growth in automotive, parts, and petroleum, while coal and grain face challenges. Intermodal transportation faces transformation pressures, requiring optimized operations and strengthened collaboration. The North American rail transport industry faces both opportunities and challenges, necessitating continued innovation, cost control, and a focus on sustainable development.
U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both increased in the first week of July, with solid year-to-date cumulative growth. Economic recovery and infrastructure investments are key drivers behind this positive trend. The rise in rail freight volume suggests increased demand for goods and materials, reflecting a strengthening economy. Intermodal growth indicates efficient supply chain management and a shift towards more sustainable transportation options. These figures are positive economic indicators, suggesting continued recovery and growth in the U.S. economy.
The Association of American Railroads reported that for the week ending September 27th, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both experienced year-over-year growth. Significant increases were seen in the transportation of nonmetallic minerals, grain, and motor vehicles & parts. Conversely, coal, petroleum & petroleum products, and metallic ores & metals saw declines. For the first 39 weeks of 2025, both total U.S. rail freight traffic and intermodal volume have shown year-over-year growth, indicating a positive trend in the sector.
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.
