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 (AAR), U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 1.1% year-over-year in late July, while intermodal volume decreased by 2.5%. Carload growth was driven by commodities like motor vehicles & parts, coal, and farm products, while metallic ores, petroleum products, and miscellaneous carloads declined. Overall North American rail traffic showed a similar trend, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Supply chain optimization, technological innovation, and sustainable development will be crucial for the future of rail freight.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Volumes Drop Sharply in Midjuly

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop Sharply in Midjuly

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates a year-over-year decrease in U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume for the week ending July 16th. Among commodity segments, nonmetallic minerals, farm products, and motor vehicle parts & equipment saw growth, while coal, miscellaneous carloads, and grain declined. Year-to-date figures also reflect this downward trend. The analysis points to factors such as economic slowdown, supply chain disruptions, and competition from trucking. Strategies for improvement include enhancing operational efficiency and expanding service offerings.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
Logistics Firms Prioritize Customercentric Strategies at SMC3

Logistics Firms Prioritize Customercentric Strategies at SMC3

The SMC3 Connections conference highlighted the importance of relationships and customer experience for success in the logistics industry. Experts emphasized that supply chain is a people-driven business, with customer expectations fueling innovation. Companies should prioritize internal communication, employee development, and customer feedback to build a human-centric logistics system. This approach is crucial for differentiating themselves and thriving in a competitive market. Focusing on building strong relationships and understanding customer needs is paramount for long-term success in the evolving logistics landscape.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Amid Positive Outlook

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Amid Positive Outlook

US rail freight performance diverged in June, with carload traffic declining while intermodal volume growth slowed. This suggests a weakening economic momentum. Ongoing energy transition and supply chain adjustments continue to influence freight patterns. The decrease in carload traffic could be attributed to reduced demand for specific commodities, while the slower intermodal growth might reflect broader economic uncertainties and shifting consumer preferences. Further analysis is needed to fully understand the underlying drivers and their long-term implications for the rail freight industry.

02/12/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Trucking Industry Rebounds Strongly Postpandemic

US Trucking Industry Rebounds Strongly Postpandemic

The 'American Trucking Trends 2020' report reveals a robust US trucking industry in 2019, generating $791.7 billion in revenue and moving 11.84 billion tons of freight. The industry employed 7.95 million people. During the pandemic, trucking demonstrated resilience, ensuring supply chain continuity. The report looks at the impact of technological innovation and sustainable development on the industry, providing insights for seizing opportunities. It offers a comprehensive overview of the trucking sector's performance and future prospects in a rapidly changing landscape.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
ATA Economist Predicts Freight Industry Trends at RILA Conference

ATA Economist Predicts Freight Industry Trends at RILA Conference

Bob Costello, Chief Economist at the American Trucking Associations, provided an in-depth analysis of the freight economic outlook at the RILA Retail Supply Chain Conference. He forecasts an economic slowdown rather than a recession in the near term, but a recession is inevitable, potentially in 2021. Despite challenges in the housing market, economic fundamentals remain solid, with strong manufacturing output. Long-term driver compensation has lagged, and increasing driver pay is crucial for the industry's sustainability and attracting new talent.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Ottawa Logistics Firm Sees 190 Order Growth in 3PL Shift

Ottawa Logistics Firm Sees 190 Order Growth in 3PL Shift

Ottawa Logistics successfully embraced the e-commerce supply chain through a strategic transformation, experiencing a 190% surge in e-commerce orders within a year. This webinar will share their transformation strategies, common pitfalls to avoid, packaging optimization practices, and how they leveraged technology experts to reduce warehouse costs. The aim is to empower other 3PL companies to succeed in the e-commerce era by providing practical insights and actionable strategies for optimizing their operations and capitalizing on the growing online market.

01/27/2026 Warehousing
Read More
ISM Report Shows Split Growth in Manufacturing and Services Sectors

ISM Report Shows Split Growth in Manufacturing and Services Sectors

The ISM report indicates a diverging growth outlook for the US manufacturing and service sectors in 2025. Manufacturing shows cautious optimism, anticipating accelerated growth in the second half of the year. The service sector demonstrates steady growth, but operational pressures remain. Companies should enhance demand forecasting, optimize inventory management, expand supply chain channels, strengthen risk management, and embrace digital transformation to navigate the complex and volatile market environment. Focusing on these areas will be crucial for sustained success amidst economic uncertainty.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
CEVA Logistics Expands Ford Deal to Boost Fseries Output

CEVA Logistics Expands Ford Deal to Boost Fseries Output

CEVA Logistics has renewed and expanded its partnership with Ford Motor Company, providing comprehensive logistics services to the Kansas City Assembly Plant in support of F-Series truck production. CEVA will invest in new facilities and create additional jobs, demonstrating its strength and service level in the automotive logistics sector and its confidence in the automotive industry's growth. This extended collaboration highlights CEVA's commitment to supporting Ford's manufacturing operations and ensuring efficient supply chain management for the iconic F-Series trucks.

01/27/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Ports Face Import Surge As Tariff Fears Outweigh Labor Deal

US Ports Face Import Surge As Tariff Fears Outweigh Labor Deal

Despite the US port labor agreement averting a potential strike, anticipated tariff hikes continue to fuel a surge in US import volumes. Reports indicate retailers are front-loading imports to mitigate potential risks, leading to a significant increase. Experts advise businesses to closely monitor market dynamics, diversify sourcing channels, and develop strategies to address evolving trade policies. The expectation of higher tariffs remains a key driver of import behavior, impacting supply chain management and requiring proactive adaptation from businesses reliant on US imports.

01/27/2026 Logistics
Read More