US Rail Freight Rebounds in July Amid Economic Recovery

US Rail Freight Rebounds in July Amid Economic Recovery

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a significant increase in US rail freight and intermodal volume in July, with notable growth in coal, metallic ores, and chemicals. Year-to-date figures are also encouraging, suggesting a steady economic recovery in the United States. However, global supply chain challenges and environmental pressures persist, requiring proactive responses from the industry. The growth in rail freight and intermodal transportation highlights its importance in supporting economic activity and efficient goods movement.

01/19/2026 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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USPS Under Pressure to Avoid Holiday Shipping Delays

USPS Under Pressure to Avoid Holiday Shipping Delays

The USPS Office of Inspector General recommends establishing an early warning system to notify customers of potential shipping disruptions two days in advance, preventing a repeat of the 2020 peak season issues. The report highlights challenges faced by USPS in 2020, including a surge in package volume and insufficient processing capacity. Embargoes and diversions impacted on-time delivery rates and marketing mail. Experts suggest shippers diversify carrier allocation, while USPS needs to improve communication and service delivery.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Yellow Corp Bankruptcy Disrupts LTL Market Spurs Rate Volatility

Yellow Corp Bankruptcy Disrupts LTL Market Spurs Rate Volatility

The bankruptcy and market exit of U.S. LTL giant Yellow Corporation has sparked widespread concern about its impact. Analysis suggests that the current LTL market has sufficient capacity to absorb Yellow's freight volume, limiting price volatility. Proactive shippers and carriers with refined operations can facilitate a smooth market transition. In the future, regional players may expand, reshaping the market landscape. The overall impact is expected to be manageable given existing capacity and strategic adjustments by industry participants.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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3pls Capitalize on Rising Ecommerce Returns Through Reverse Logistics

3pls Capitalize on Rising Ecommerce Returns Through Reverse Logistics

The surge in e-commerce returns has made reverse logistics a new profit center for businesses. Third-party logistics (3PL) providers, with their specialized expertise, help companies efficiently manage return processes, reduce operating costs, and improve customer satisfaction. Effective reverse logistics operations can double profits, and the Asian market holds immense potential. Businesses should seize this opportunity to optimize their reverse logistics strategies and leverage 3PL partnerships for competitive advantage in managing the growing volume of e-commerce returns.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Stagnates As Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Stagnates As Intermodal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic was largely flat for the week ending June 28th, while intermodal traffic saw a slight decrease. Performance varied across sectors, with gains in grain and automotive shipments offset by declines in metals and coal. Cumulative data for the first 26 weeks of the year indicates continued growth in overall freight volume. However, the industry faces ongoing challenges related to macroeconomic conditions, industry competition, and infrastructure limitations.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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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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Quadients Automation Cuts Packaging Costs for Businesses

Quadients Automation Cuts Packaging Costs for Businesses

Quadient's CVP Automated Packaging Solutions (Impack/Everest) efficiently reduce costs and minimize package volume, helping businesses win in the future. These solutions optimize the packaging process, leading to significant savings in materials, labor, and shipping costs. By creating right-sized packages, companies can reduce dimensional weight charges and improve overall logistics efficiency. This results in a more sustainable and cost-effective supply chain. Quadient's automation empowers businesses to streamline operations and gain a competitive edge in today's dynamic market.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Declines in October but Up Yearly

US Rail Freight Declines in October but Up Yearly

US rail freight volume has recently decreased year-over-year, but shows a cumulative increase for the year. Shipments of commodities like automobiles and coal have declined, while metallic ores have increased. This fluctuation is influenced by factors such as the overall economy and supply chain dynamics. While weekly data shows drops, the year-to-date figures suggest continued, albeit slower, growth in rail freight, reflecting broader economic trends and the evolving landscape of commodity transportation.

10/31/2025 Logistics
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Freight Index Shows Annual Growth Despite Seasonal Spot Market Decline

Freight Index Shows Annual Growth Despite Seasonal Spot Market Decline

The DAT report indicates a month-over-month decrease in spot truckload freight volume for September, but a significant year-over-year increase. Seasonal factors, new Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, and driver shortages are key factors influencing the market. Shippers and carriers need to strengthen collaboration to address these challenges and ensure supply chain stability. This collaboration is crucial for navigating the complexities of the current freight environment and maintaining efficient operations amidst fluctuating demand and evolving regulations.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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