US Rail Freight Gains Offset by Declining Container Volumes

US Rail Freight Gains Offset by Declining Container Volumes

Recent US rail freight data reveals a slight increase in traditional carload traffic, primarily driven by coal, grain, and automotive shipments. However, container and trailer volumes experienced a minor decline, potentially reflecting a global trade slowdown and supply chain issues. Year-to-date figures further confirm this trend, suggesting a cautiously optimistic outlook for the US economy, but with lingering risks. The mixed performance highlights the complex interplay of domestic demand and international trade impacting the rail sector.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rises in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Rises in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload volume increased by 3.4% for the week ending August 27th, primarily driven by growth in coal, grain, and motor vehicle shipments. However, intermodal volume decreased by 0.3%. Cumulative carload volume for the first 34 weeks of 2022 saw a slight increase of 0.1%, while intermodal volume declined by 5.3%. Macroeconomic factors, supply chain disruptions, and energy market fluctuations are contributing factors. Rail freight faces both challenges and opportunities.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rises Slightly As Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Rises Slightly As Intermodal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending August 20, U.S. rail carloads increased by 2.9% year-over-year, while intermodal volume decreased by 2.4%. Year-to-date carloads are roughly flat compared to last year, but intermodal volume is down 5.5%. Overall, North American rail freight has seen slight growth, but continues to face challenges from global economic slowdown and supply chain disruptions. Railroad companies need to innovate to address these challenges and seize opportunities.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volumes Decline Amid Demand Concerns

US Rail Freight Volumes Decline Amid Demand Concerns

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a year-over-year decline in US rail freight and intermodal volumes. This article delves into the underlying causes, including economic slowdown, supply chain bottlenecks, and energy transition. It explores the impact on the logistics industry, encompassing railroad companies, trucking firms, ports, and freight forwarders. Finally, the article examines the challenges and opportunities facing rail freight, and discusses how the industry should respond to navigate the evolving landscape.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volume

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volume

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a significant recent increase in U.S. rail carload traffic, primarily driven by coal and minerals. Container traffic, however, has slightly decreased, potentially due to global supply chain challenges. Year-to-date, overall freight volume remains on a downward trend. North American rail performance generally surpasses that of the U.S., with Mexico experiencing strong growth. The rail freight market faces a mixed landscape of challenges and opportunities moving forward.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Manhattan Associates Launches Aidriven Logistics Management System

Manhattan Associates Launches Aidriven Logistics Management System

Manhattan introduces a cloud-native TMS, boasting an 80% improvement in optimization speed. Leveraging machine learning, the system efficiently manages transportation, reduces costs, and enhances competitiveness. This next-generation TMS provides real-time visibility and control across the entire transportation network, enabling businesses to make smarter decisions and improve overall supply chain performance. Its cloud-based architecture ensures scalability and flexibility to adapt to evolving business needs, driving significant value for organizations seeking to optimize their logistics operations.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

Recent data from the Association of American Railroads reveals a decline in both U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes, signaling weakening economic demand. Mixed performance across specific commodity categories highlights shifts in the economic structure. Businesses should closely monitor market dynamics, optimize supply chain management, diversify operations, and embrace digital transformation to navigate these challenges. The decrease in freight volume serves as an indicator of a potential economic slowdown, requiring proactive adaptation from logistics and related industries.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Railway Freight Reform: Charting A New Blueprint For Supply-side Reform

Railway Freight Reform: Charting A New Blueprint For Supply-side Reform

In recent years, significant progress has been made in railway freight reform, particularly with innovations in express transportation models. New fast freight trains not only enhance transportation speed and service quality but also reduce logistics costs, driving regional economic development. The railway corporation is committed to building modern logistics enterprises, fully leveraging the green advantages of railway transport, and continuously adapting to market demands to promote supply-side reform. This series of reform measures will bring new development opportunities to the railway freight industry in the future.

07/18/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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E-Commerce Giants Drive Smart Logistics Revolution in Global Supply Chains

E-Commerce Giants Drive Smart Logistics Revolution in Global Supply Chains

E-commerce logistics is entering a data-driven phase of intelligent development, where industry leaders drive lifecycle management through the opening and sharing of logistics capabilities. Facing the bottlenecks of traditional models, the logistics industry, aided by big data analytics, enhances service efficiency and addresses the challenges retailers face in their 'Internet +' transformation. Continuous innovation and collaboration will be the core of future development.

07/28/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Air Vs Ocean Freight Balancing Speed and Cost in Supply Chains

Air Vs Ocean Freight Balancing Speed and Cost in Supply Chains

US air freight and ocean freight differ in tracking precision. Air freight relies on real-time updates, allowing for dynamic delay prediction and intervention, suitable for high-value, time-sensitive goods. Ocean freight focuses on key milestone control, offering lower costs but with information gaps, ideal for bulk, durable goods. Air freight provides detailed tracking, while ocean freight provides macro tracking. Bestforworld offers customized solutions and smart comparison services to help you choose the most suitable logistics plan.

01/05/2026 Logistics
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