US Manufacturing Slows As Services Sector Grows in 2025 ISM

US Manufacturing Slows As Services Sector Grows in 2025 ISM

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) report indicates a divergence in growth expectations for the US manufacturing and services sectors in 2025. Manufacturing revenue is projected to increase by 4.2%, and capital expenditures by 5.2%, but faces upward price pressures. The services sector anticipates revenue growth of 3.7% and capital expenditure growth of 5.1%, with a slight decrease in capacity utilization. The report provides valuable insights for businesses to develop differentiated strategies and capitalize on growth opportunities within these evolving economic landscapes.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Struggles As Auto Shipments Offset Coal Decline

US Rail Freight Struggles As Auto Shipments Offset Coal Decline

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes declined year-over-year in the first week of February. However, automobile and parts transportation saw an increase, while coal shipments experienced a significant drop. Year-to-date freight volume showed a slight increase, but intermodal remained weak. North America mirrored the U.S. trend, with a small rise in overall freight volume but a decrease in intermodal transportation. The divergence highlights shifting dynamics within the freight transportation sector.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Container Shipping Industry Aims for Recovery in 2026 After Volatile Year

Container Shipping Industry Aims for Recovery in 2026 After Volatile Year

The container shipping market in 2025 is turbulent, marked by fluctuating freight rates, regional divergence, the Red Sea crisis, and disruptions from trade policies. Oversupply coexists with fragmented demand, putting pressure on the Europe route while Southeast Asia shines. Looking ahead to 2026, capacity growth is expected to slow, narrowing the supply-demand gap. The resumption of shipping through the Red Sea is a crucial variable. To navigate these challenges and seize opportunities, companies need to diversify their strategies, refine their services, and strengthen risk management.

12/30/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Chinas Steel Industry Shifts to Green Steel Amid Global Demand

Chinas Steel Industry Shifts to Green Steel Amid Global Demand

China's steel exports hit record highs in 2025, but with significant structural divergence. Faced with trade barriers, companies are actively adjusting strategies, shifting towards exporting semi-finished products like steel billets and benefiting from infrastructure booms in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. China's advantage lies in its complete industrial chain and cost control capabilities. Moving forward, companies should diversify market layouts, optimize product structures, and actively promote green and low-carbon transformation to address challenges like the EU CBAM and seize opportunities in high-end markets.

12/26/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Trucking Industry Struggles As Freight Demand Falls Rates Edge Up

US Trucking Industry Struggles As Freight Demand Falls Rates Edge Up

The US truckload freight market in September showed a divergence: freight volume declined, but spot rates edged up. DAT data indicated decreases in dry van and refrigerated volumes, while flatbed volumes saw a slight increase. Experts attribute the rate increase to freight imbalances and capacity shifts rather than demand, expressing pessimism about the peak season outlook. The market faces structural adjustments, requiring all parties to respond cautiously. Despite the spot rate increase, the overall trend suggests a weakening market due to lower volumes and underlying economic uncertainties.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Warehouse Robotics Gain Traction Amid Labor Shortages

Warehouse Robotics Gain Traction Amid Labor Shortages

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of warehouse logistics robot applications. Based on an industry survey, it reveals the opportunities and challenges companies face when adopting robotic technologies. The survey results show a divergence in the market regarding the perceived value of robotics, but early adopters generally realized a return on investment and plan to expand their use. The article also explores the driving factors behind robot adoption, key use cases, and different business models, providing a reference for enterprise decision-making.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

Recent data reveals a mixed performance in the US rail freight market. Carload traffic saw a slight increase, but with significant structural divergence, with nonmetallic minerals outperforming while grains declined. Intermodal volume decreased, potentially due to cooling consumption and inventory adjustments. Year-to-date figures remain positive, but railway companies need to adapt to market changes and seize opportunities. The uneven performance highlights the need for strategic adjustments to navigate the evolving economic landscape and capitalize on growth areas within the rail freight sector.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Container Shipping Slows Amid Global Trade Uncertainty

Container Shipping Slows Amid Global Trade Uncertainty

North American intermodal volumes slowed in August, according to IANA data. International container performance outpaced domestic, influenced by tariffs. Year-to-date figures show cumulative growth, but with structural divergence. The report cites positive economic data, yet the shadow of tariffs persists. A flatter peak season is anticipated, with stable network operations. The future market presents both challenges and opportunities, requiring close attention to trade policies and economic dynamics. The impact of tariffs on container shipping and intermodal transportation remains a key factor influencing market trends.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Containers Fall

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Containers Fall

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a divergence in US rail freight volume in late January. Carload traffic increased by 3.3% year-over-year, driven by nonmetallic minerals, coal, and automotive industries. However, container transport decreased by 6.7% year-over-year, potentially due to shifts in consumer spending and supply chain adjustments. Overall freight volume in North America exhibited a similar trend. The increase in carload was enough to offset the container decrease, showing resilience in certain sectors of the rail freight market.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Experts Probe Freight Markets Economic Disconnect

Experts Probe Freight Markets Economic Disconnect

Armada expert Prather highlighted at the SMC3 conference a disconnect between the freight market and the macroeconomy, suggesting it's not an isolated incident. The analysis explores factors contributing to this divergence, including asynchronous macroeconomic indicators and freight volumes, supply chain complexities, technological advancements, and improved transportation efficiency. The piece emphasizes the importance of in-depth market data analysis for businesses to effectively navigate market fluctuations and make informed decisions in a dynamic environment. Understanding these underlying factors is crucial for strategic planning and adaptation.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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