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 carload traffic increased by 2.8% year-over-year for the week ending March 5th, driven primarily by chemicals, minerals, and coal. However, intermodal traffic decreased by 5.8% year-over-year, potentially indicating weak consumer demand. Year-to-date figures show a similar trend. Overall, North American rail freight is facing pressure. Rail freight data reflects the economic pulse, and investors can pay attention to rail operators, equipment suppliers, logistics service providers, and related industries.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Lastmile Delivery Costs Challenge Retailers Amid Demand for Speed

Lastmile Delivery Costs Challenge Retailers Amid Demand for Speed

High last-mile delivery costs drive intense logistics competition behind e-commerce's 'free shipping' promise. This article analyzes various delivery models, including 'coopetition,' e-commerce companies building their own logistics networks, and individual operators. It highlights delivery density as crucial for cost reduction and emphasizes the need for shippers to understand their service providers, ultimately responsible for 'free next-day delivery.' Understanding the nuances of these models and focusing on efficiency are key to navigating the challenges of modern e-commerce fulfillment.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Class 8 Truck Orders Drop Sharply in July Amid Market Shifts

Class 8 Truck Orders Drop Sharply in July Amid Market Shifts

North American Class 8 truck orders plummeted in July, impacted by production quotas, supply chain bottlenecks, and cost volatility. While demand remains robust, recession risks and slow supply chain recovery pose challenges. Fleet operators should plan ahead, cultivate strong supplier relationships, monitor market dynamics, and optimize existing fleets to navigate the uncertainty. The decline reflects not a lack of demand, but rather constraints on production and delivery. Careful planning and proactive management are essential for success in this volatile market.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Trucking Group Calls for FMCSA Safety Rating Overhaul

Trucking Group Calls for FMCSA Safety Rating Overhaul

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is urging the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to re-evaluate its safety rating system, citing geographical biases and data quality issues that distort ratings. Concerns raised highlight deficiencies in data sufficiency, enforcement disparities, and rating standards within the current system. These shortcomings necessitate improvements to more accurately reflect a carrier's safety performance. The ATA believes a revised system is crucial for providing a more reliable assessment of motor carrier safety and identifying high-risk operators effectively.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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FMCSA Broker Transparency Rules Divide Trucking Industry

FMCSA Broker Transparency Rules Divide Trucking Industry

The FMCSA's proposed rule for freight broker rate transparency faces strong opposition from broker associations, who argue it infringes on trade secrets and fails to address safety concerns. Owner-operators support the transparency, believing it reduces information asymmetry and enhances their bargaining power. This article analyzes the economic logic and safety implications behind this debate. It offers recommendations for regulators to promote the healthy development of the trucking industry, focusing on balancing transparency with legitimate business interests and ensuring safety remains paramount.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Amazon Sellers Adapt to AI Tools Like Chatgpt

Amazon Sellers Adapt to AI Tools Like Chatgpt

This article analyzes the potential and limitations of ChatGPT in cross-border e-commerce operations. It highlights its supportive role in areas like listing optimization, product selection analysis, data analysis, and customer service. However, it emphasizes that ChatGPT cannot replace human creativity and judgment. The article underscores the importance of Amazon operators in the AI era enhancing their data analysis and content marketing skills, and focusing on user experience. It encourages embracing AI to co-create the future of e-commerce.

01/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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7 Key Mistakes to Avoid in Xiaohongshu Marketing Campaigns

7 Key Mistakes to Avoid in Xiaohongshu Marketing Campaigns

This article deeply analyzes seven common reasons for failure in Xiaohongshu operation, including overconfidence, neglecting platform attributes, being impatient for quick success, lacking execution, unfamiliarity with the field, over-reliance on agencies, and lacking online awareness. By analyzing these pitfalls, it aims to help operators avoid them, improve operational success rates, and achieve long-term sustainable development on the platform. The guide provides insights into understanding the platform's nuances and fostering a more strategic approach to content creation and community engagement.

12/30/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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SAS Joins Skyteam Ending Star Alliance Era

SAS Joins Skyteam Ending Star Alliance Era

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) joining SkyTeam prompts reflection on the shifting landscape of airline alliances. This analysis examines the evolution of airline alliances, regional capacity share disparities, and SAS's strategic considerations and future opportunities. While this alliance switch doesn't fundamentally disrupt the existing order, it presents new challenges for airport operators and related alliances. The European aviation market may face increased volatility as a result. The move highlights the dynamic nature of airline partnerships and their impact on market competition and consumer choices.

01/07/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Smart Forklifts Ease Labor Shortages Boost Productivity

Smart Forklifts Ease Labor Shortages Boost Productivity

The forklift industry is addressing labor shortages through intelligent upgrades. Beyond fully automated forklifts, technologies focus on enhancing operator efficiency. These include telematics, ergonomic design, and new power systems. These technologies, driven by data, improved comfort, and enhanced convenience, help companies achieve significant gains in labor productivity during the era of labor scarcity. The focus is on making existing operators more productive rather than solely replacing them with robots, offering a more practical and cost-effective solution for many businesses.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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OAG Fleet Data Enhances Aviation Strategy Decisions

OAG Fleet Data Enhances Aviation Strategy Decisions

OAG Fleet Data delivers global commercial aviation fleet information, tracking crucial data like aircraft owners and operators, empowering informed decision-making within the aviation industry. Integrated with Snowflake, accessing this valuable data is now more convenient than ever. This integration allows for seamless analysis and utilization of fleet data for various applications, including market forecasting, operational planning, and competitive analysis. Users can leverage the power of Snowflake's platform to gain deeper insights into fleet trends and optimize their business strategies.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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