US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic increased year-over-year for the week ending January 21st, driven primarily by nonmetallic minerals, coal, and motor vehicle parts. Intermodal traffic, however, decreased compared to the same period last year. Total North American rail traffic experienced a slight decline, reflecting regional economic variations and global economic uncertainties. This data provides insights into the current state of the freight economy and its underlying trends.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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North American Rail Carloads Rise As Intermodal Traffic Slows

North American Rail Carloads Rise As Intermodal Traffic Slows

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic increased year-over-year for the week ending November 5th, while container traffic declined. Overall North American rail volume showed mixed results, with cumulative year-to-date figures slightly down. The report highlights the impact of macroeconomic conditions, supply chain dynamics, and energy prices on the rail freight market. It also offers insights into future development trends within the industry. The data suggests a complex interplay of factors influencing rail transport demand.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads, the U.S. rail freight market showed divergence in the week ending August 7th. Carload traffic increased by 6.3% year-over-year, primarily driven by strong demand for metallic ores and coal. However, intermodal volume decreased by 0.6% year-over-year, potentially due to port congestion and truck driver shortages. While year-to-date figures remain positive, supply chain challenges and industrial restructuring remain key areas of focus moving forward.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Carload Rise Amid Intermodal Decline

US Rail Freight Sees Carload Rise Amid Intermodal Decline

Recent data reveals a diverging trend in the US rail freight market: carload traffic saw a slight increase, driven by commodities like grains and automobiles, while intermodal transportation experienced a minor decline. Despite this, year-to-date cumulative figures still indicate overall positive performance. Market participants should closely monitor these dynamics, proactively address challenges, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. This nuanced understanding is crucial for strategic decision-making in the evolving rail freight landscape.

01/22/2026 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 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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Major Investments Aim to Revive Struggling Rail Intermodal Sector

Major Investments Aim to Revive Struggling Rail Intermodal Sector

Faced with service issues and declining performance, rail and intermodal providers are maintaining record investment levels to address current challenges and strive to return to pre-recession performance. However, experts point out that simply increasing investment may not fundamentally solve the problems. What's more important is how to effectively translate capital into tangible operational improvements. The key lies in optimizing processes, embracing technology, and fostering collaboration across the supply chain to maximize the return on investment and achieve sustainable operational efficiency.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Intermodal Volumes Mixed in Early October

US Rail Freight Intermodal Volumes Mixed in Early October

US rail freight traffic saw a slight increase in the first week of October, with intermodal transportation experiencing significant growth. Nonmetallic minerals and other commodities drove the increase, while coal and other commodities declined. Year-to-date cumulative freight volume shows growth. Market risks warrant attention.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rises Intermodal Surges in Early March

US Rail Freight Rises Intermodal Surges in Early March

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume both increased year-over-year for the week ending March 8, 2025. However, year-to-date, total carload traffic is down 1.5%, while intermodal volume is up 8.4%. Coal and grain shipments increased, while metallic ores, chemicals, and forest products declined. Railroad companies should capitalize on intermodal opportunities and address freight challenges to achieve sustainable growth.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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Rail Firms Adjust Supply Chains Amid Baltimore Port Closure

Rail Firms Adjust Supply Chains Amid Baltimore Port Closure

The blockage of the Port of Baltimore prompted Norfolk Southern and CSX to quickly reallocate capacity and launch intermodal dedicated lines to ensure the transportation of critical materials like coal, alleviating supply chain pressure. This highlights the crucial role of intermodal transport in enhancing supply chain resilience. It also indicates that rail transport will play a more significant role in future supply chains, developing towards intelligent, green, and integrated operations. The swift response demonstrates the adaptability and importance of rail in mitigating disruptions and maintaining essential supply flows.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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