US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Up Intermodal Down

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Up Intermodal Down

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail carload traffic increased year-over-year in the first week of March, led by chemicals, minerals, and coal. Intermodal traffic declined, reflecting ongoing supply chain bottlenecks. Cumulative data indicates an increase in carload traffic but a decrease in intermodal volume. Overall, North American rail performance mirrors the U.S. trends. Logistics companies should monitor market dynamics, optimize supply chains, and invest in technological innovation to address these challenges. The divergence between carload and intermodal trends highlights the need for adaptable strategies.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Carload Growth Amid Container Traffic Decline

US Rail Freight Sees Carload Growth Amid Container Traffic Decline

Recent data reveals a divergence in the US rail freight market: carload volume is increasing significantly, while container traffic is slightly declining. Coal and mineral shipments are leading the carload growth, with oil and automotive sectors facing pressure. Container transport is affected by supply chain bottlenecks and changing consumption patterns. Year-to-date, overall freight volume remains down, indicating a long road to recovery. The overall performance of North American railways is mixed. Going forward, global supply chains, consumer demand, and policy factors will collectively shape the rail freight market.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Container Imports Drop in August As Demand Weakens

US Container Imports Drop in August As Demand Weakens

US containerized freight imports decreased by 12% year-over-year in August, marking the 13th consecutive month of decline, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. This reflects weak consumer demand and ongoing supply chain adjustments. Consumer goods imports experienced significant drops, and the outlook for industrial goods demand is also bleak. Experts attribute this to continued destocking and weakness in typically non-seasonal sectors. The full-year outlook is stable rather than prosperous, requiring businesses to adapt their supply chains. The government should monitor consumer data and implement measures to stimulate domestic demand.

12/31/2025 Logistics
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Bank of America Index Shows High Costs Low Volumes in US Logistics

Bank of America Index Shows High Costs Low Volumes in US Logistics

The Bank of America Freight Payment Index indicates a decrease in freight volumes during the fourth quarter, while freight spending reached a record high. Driver shortages, rising fuel prices, and ongoing supply chain challenges are key contributing factors. Regional performance varied, with the Western region experiencing the largest increase in spending. To navigate these challenges, businesses need to optimize their supply chains, strengthen collaboration, diversify transportation options, and embrace digital transformation. These strategies are crucial for mitigating the impact of rising costs and ensuring efficient freight operations in the current economic climate.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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3PL Firms Lead US Industrial Real Estate Leasing Boom

3PL Firms Lead US Industrial Real Estate Leasing Boom

A CBRE report indicates that 3PL companies led US industrial real estate leasing in the first half of 2025, significantly outpacing retail e-commerce. The outsourcing of warehousing and supply chain operations by e-commerce businesses is a key driver behind the surge in 3PL demand. The Inland Empire region of Southern California remains the most active market for industrial property leasing. This trend highlights the increasing reliance on third-party logistics providers to manage the complexities of modern supply chains, particularly within the rapidly growing e-commerce sector.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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North American Ports Struggle Amid Pandemic Fitch

North American Ports Struggle Amid Pandemic Fitch

A Fitch Ratings report highlights the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on North American ports, causing supply chain disruptions and operational restrictions. Ports faced pressure from both demand and supply sides, with varying degrees of impact across different port types. The pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities, but also accelerated trends like automation and digitalization. While short-term challenges persist, economic recovery and port transformation offer long-term opportunities for growth and resilience. Ports are adapting to the new normal by diversifying cargo, investing in infrastructure, and improving efficiency.

02/05/2026 Port Encyclopedia
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Syfan Logistics Cuts Costs for Allsource Supply with LTL Efficiency

Syfan Logistics Cuts Costs for Allsource Supply with LTL Efficiency

This article provides an in-depth analysis of how Syfan Logistics optimized its Less-than-Truckload (LTL) shipping processes to help Allsource Supply achieve cost savings and efficiency improvements in the building materials industry. The article explores the challenges faced in LTL transportation and corresponding strategies. It summarizes the successful experiences of Syfan Logistics, offering valuable insights and a reference model for other companies seeking to enhance their LTL operations and improve overall supply chain performance. The focus is on practical strategies and real-world application within the construction material sector.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Supply Chains Face Strain From Peak Season Nearshoring and Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Supply Chains Face Strain From Peak Season Nearshoring and Baltimore Bridge Collapse

This interview focuses on the freight logistics market, with expert Tom Nightingale providing insights into peak season outlooks, capacity and rates, nearshoring trends, and the impact of the Baltimore incident on supply chains. The article aims to shed light on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, offering decision-making guidance for businesses. It explores key factors influencing the current landscape and provides a concise overview of critical issues impacting freight movement and supply chain resilience. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for companies navigating the evolving logistics environment.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Eastwest Trade Container Rates Surge Amid Global Demand

Eastwest Trade Container Rates Surge Amid Global Demand

This paper analyzes the recent surge in container freight rates on East-West routes, exploring the driving factors from both demand-side (economic recovery, trade growth) and supply-side (capacity control, port congestion). It elucidates the impact of rising freight rates on import/export companies, consumers, shipping companies, and the global supply chain. Furthermore, based on historical data and industry analysis, the paper forecasts future freight rate trends, emphasizing the need for businesses to monitor market dynamics and prepare for freight rate volatility. Businesses should pay close attention to market changes.

01/27/2026 Logistics
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CEVA Logistics Launches Saturday Night Crossings for Usmexico Freight

CEVA Logistics Launches Saturday Night Crossings for Usmexico Freight

CEVA Logistics has launched its “Saturday Night Speed” service to complement its “Integrated Border Truck” program, aiming to optimize supply chains from the US-Mexico border to North America. This service focuses on shipments departing Mexico on Saturdays, ensuring delivery to the US Midwest and Canada by Monday. By consolidating truckload shipments, it reduces costs and guarantees on-time delivery, meeting the “just-in-time” production needs of industries like automotive. This initiative enhances supply chain efficiency and improves customer competitiveness in the dynamic US-Mexico trade landscape.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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