US Rail Freight Shifts Intermodal Rises As Coal Declines

US Rail Freight Shifts Intermodal Rises As Coal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight performance in the first two weeks of January was mixed. Intermodal traffic increased by 11.6% year-over-year, driven by e-commerce and supply chain optimization. Traditional carloads decreased by 1.8% year-over-year, with a significant decline in coal shipments, reflecting the energy transition. Rail operators need to adjust their strategies and pay attention to market changes. Policymakers should support railway infrastructure development to promote intermodal transportation.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Walmarts 350B US Sourcing Plan Reshapes Supply Chains

Walmarts 350B US Sourcing Plan Reshapes Supply Chains

Walmart announced a $350 billion investment over the next decade to purchase goods made in the USA, aiming to support domestic businesses, shorten supply chains, reduce carbon emissions, and meet consumer demand. Through the 'American Lighthouses' initiative, Walmart seeks to remove obstacles to domestic manufacturing, empower small and medium-sized enterprises, and reshape a more resilient and sustainable supply chain. This move is expected to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, enhance supply chain resilience, and boost consumer confidence.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Urges Pipeline Security Upgrades Amid Cyber Threats

US Urges Pipeline Security Upgrades Amid Cyber Threats

A cyberattack on a major fuel pipeline on the US East Coast has highlighted energy security vulnerabilities. Transportation Secretary Buttigieg is advocating for the passage of the $2.25 trillion American Jobs Plan (AJP) to upgrade pipeline security. The plan aims to leverage advanced technologies and cybersecurity measures to enhance the stability and reliability of energy supply, thereby safeguarding national economic security. The attack underscores the urgent need for investment in critical infrastructure protection against evolving cyber threats.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Futurmaster Expands to North America for Supply Chain Growth

Futurmaster Expands to North America for Supply Chain Growth

FuturMaster expands into North America, establishing an office in Austin and acquiring PlaniSense. The company offers intelligent and efficient supply chain planning solutions designed to help businesses enhance their competitiveness. This strategic move allows FuturMaster to better serve the growing demand for advanced planning capabilities in the region. By combining local expertise with its proven technology, FuturMaster aims to empower North American companies to optimize their supply chains and achieve significant improvements in efficiency and responsiveness.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Volumes Rise in Late August Signaling Recovery

US Rail Freight Volumes Rise in Late August Signaling Recovery

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes both increased year-over-year for the week ending August 30th. Chemical and metallic ores shipments showed strong performance, while petroleum and grain shipments declined. Year-to-date freight and intermodal volumes also demonstrated growth. Rail transport faces competition from trucking and challenges from environmental policies. Future development requires strengthened technological innovation and improved service quality to maintain competitiveness and meet evolving demands.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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Trump Backs Dockworkers Stalls Port Automation in US

Trump Backs Dockworkers Stalls Port Automation in US

Trump publicly supports the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), opposing port automation and advocating for prioritizing American workers' jobs. Labor-management negotiations on automation have stalled, prompting industry associations to urge a return to the negotiating table. Trump's intervention could influence the direction of negotiations, potentially impacting the US economy and global supply chains. The dispute highlights the tension between technological advancement and job security, with significant implications for the future of work in the maritime industry.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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US Imposes 25 Tariff on Heavyduty Truck Imports

US Imposes 25 Tariff on Heavyduty Truck Imports

The US's 25% tariff on imported heavy-duty trucks aims to protect domestic manufacturing but could lead to increased costs and supply chain disruptions. Experts suggest this move may be intended to deter Chinese electric vehicles from entering the US market. The long-term impact depends on subsequent policies and global economic trends. While intended to bolster American industry, the tariff's effectiveness remains uncertain, particularly considering potential retaliatory measures and the interconnected nature of the global automotive industry.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Trumps Infrastructure Plan Stalls Over Funding Disputes

Trumps Infrastructure Plan Stalls Over Funding Disputes

The Trump administration's $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan faces funding challenges, prompting calls for increased federal investment. The freight industry emphasizes the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, with the American Trucking Associations proposing a dedicated fuel tax increase. Discussions include innovative financing and future infrastructure development, highlighting the need for digital infrastructure to support emerging technologies like drones. The focus is on securing adequate funding and modernizing infrastructure to support economic growth and technological advancements in transportation.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Trucking Industry Urges FMCSA Overhaul Over Safety Rating Flaws

Trucking Industry Urges FMCSA Overhaul Over Safety Rating Flaws

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has criticized the FMCSA's current safety rating system, citing data biases and inadequacies that lead to unfair treatment of trucking companies. Other organizations have also voiced concerns about the existing system. The FMCSA is seeking improvements and exploring more scientific assessment models to establish a fairer and more reliable safety rating system, ultimately enhancing road safety. They aim to address the perceived shortcomings and ensure accurate evaluation of trucking companies' safety performance.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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Northwest Naturals Recalls Cat Food Amid Bird Flu Fears

Northwest Naturals Recalls Cat Food Amid Bird Flu Fears

Northwest Naturals, an American pet food brand, recalled its cat food due to suspected contamination with highly pathogenic avian influenza, potentially linked to cat deaths. While the affected batches didn't enter the Chinese market, the distributor in Shanghai, Lida, removed turkey-based products from shelves as a precaution. The FDA advises pet owners to avoid feeding pets unpasteurized or raw meat and to prevent them from preying on wild birds to mitigate the risk of avian influenza transmission.

01/23/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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