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, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 3.3% year-over-year in the week ending January 21st, while intermodal volume decreased by 6.7%. Cumulative data for the first three weeks of the year shows a 3% increase in carloads and an 8.4% decrease in intermodal volume. Overall, North American rail freight presents a mixed picture, with the market influenced by a combination of economic conditions, supply chains, and energy prices.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Ecommerce Logistics Firms Prioritize Speed and Tech Upgrades

Ecommerce Logistics Firms Prioritize Speed and Tech Upgrades

E-commerce logistics faces the dual challenges of speed and efficiency. This seminar focuses on cutting-edge processes, software, and technological tools to help businesses optimize order management, warehouse management, and transportation management. It introduces automation equipment and big data analytics to build agile supply chains, optimize inventory layout, and improve employee skills. By doing so, companies can gain a competitive edge in the fierce market and lay a solid foundation for future recovery and growth.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Sees December Surge in Carloads Intermodal Traffic

US Rail Freight Sees December Surge in Carloads Intermodal Traffic

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes both increased year-over-year in mid-December. Carload traffic saw significant growth with all ten commodity categories rising. For the full year, carload traffic slightly increased, but intermodal volume remained down compared to the previous year. Analysts attribute the year-end growth to economic resilience, energy demand, and easing supply chains. Future trends will depend on macroeconomic conditions and policy changes.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Private LTL Firms Outperform Public Rivals Amid Market Split

Private LTL Firms Outperform Public Rivals Amid Market Split

In 2012, private LTL companies outperformed state-owned enterprises in profitability due to limitations faced by the latter. The market experienced a balance between supply and demand, leading to increased freight rates. Future success requires innovative service offerings. Shippers need to comprehensively evaluate carriers. Data analysis is crucial for optimizing operational efficiency and improving overall performance in the evolving LTL landscape. This will help to gain a competitive advantage and meet the changing needs of customers.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Uschina Phase One Trade Deal Faces Tariff Challenges

Uschina Phase One Trade Deal Faces Tariff Challenges

The US and China officially signed the "Phase One" trade agreement, involving tariff adjustments and procurement commitments. The agreement reduced some tariffs, but the effectiveness of its implementation remains to be seen. Businesses need to pay attention to shipping data and policy changes, diversify procurement sources, optimize supply chains, and strengthen risk management to seize opportunities in the new trade landscape. Monitoring key indicators and adapting strategies will be crucial for navigating the evolving US-China trade relationship.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Freight Slump in October Points to Economic Slowdown

Freight Slump in October Points to Economic Slowdown

Recent data reveals a significant drop in both freight volume and expenditures in October. The Cass Freight Index, a leading industry indicator, reflects weakened demand and excess capacity. Companies should closely monitor market trends, optimize their supply chains, and exercise caution in investments to navigate future challenges and uncertainties. The decline highlights the impact of a potential economic slowdown on the freight sector, emphasizing the need for strategic adjustments to mitigate rising logistics costs and maintain operational efficiency.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Freight Activity Reaches Record High Amid Economic Shifts

US Freight Activity Reaches Record High Amid Economic Shifts

The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported a record high Freight Transportation Services Index (FTSI) in June, with growth across trucking, rail, air, and water transportation. Despite the strong FTSI performance, other economic indicators such as industrial production and housing starts showed a decline, adding uncertainty to the economic outlook. Long-term, freight volumes are still on a steady growth trajectory. Businesses should closely monitor these data to better plan their supply chains and respond to market changes.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Intermodal Freight Volumes Decline in October Amid Tariff Worries

US Intermodal Freight Volumes Decline in October Amid Tariff Worries

North American Intermodal Association data shows a 2% year-over-year decrease in U.S. intermodal freight volume in October 2025, ending months of consecutive growth. Key influencing factors include tariff policies, economic uncertainty, and industrial weakness. While cumulative freight volume for the year remains positive, the growth rate is slowing. The future intermodal market should focus on key factors such as tariffs, consumer spending, inventory levels, and capacity supply, while also strengthening innovation and international cooperation.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Retail Sector Forecasts Steady 2025 Growth Despite Challenges

US Retail Sector Forecasts Steady 2025 Growth Despite Challenges

The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts a 2.7%-3.7% increase in US retail sales for 2025, but slower consumer spending, policy uncertainty, and inflation pose challenges. While consumer fundamentals remain solid, retailers need to focus on shifting demand, optimize supply chains, enhance data analytics, improve service quality, and monitor policy changes to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. This requires adaptability and strategic planning in a dynamic economic environment to maintain competitiveness and achieve sustainable growth.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Diesel Price Volatility Raises Logistics Costs Globally

Diesel Price Volatility Raises Logistics Costs Globally

Recent data indicates a slight increase in average U.S. diesel prices, although the yearly trend remains downward. Price fluctuations are influenced by factors such as supply and demand, geopolitics, and refining margins, posing challenges for cost control in the logistics industry. Looking ahead, new energy sources and sustainable development will be significant trends in the logistics sector. The industry needs to adapt to these changes to maintain competitiveness and reduce its environmental impact in the long run.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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