Shipping Firms Delay New Ships As Overcapacity Looms

Shipping Firms Delay New Ships As Overcapacity Looms

Facing pessimistic freight demand prospects, shipping companies are postponing new vessel deliveries to address overcapacity risks. Container accumulation exacerbates cost pressures, and supply-demand imbalances lead to a reversal of market fundamentals. Capacity reduction may alleviate some pressure, but long-term profitability prospects remain strained. Shipping companies need to respond prudently to navigate the cycle. The current situation highlights the challenges of managing capacity in a volatile market and the need for strategic adjustments to maintain competitiveness amidst fluctuating demand.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Container Shipping Oversupply Weighs on Rates As Demand Slows

Global Container Shipping Oversupply Weighs on Rates As Demand Slows

A Sea-Intelligence report indicates a rebalancing of supply and demand in the container shipping market, alleviating pandemic-era capacity shortages. Improved vessel schedule reliability is leading to an oversupply risk, placing downward pressure on freight rates. Shipping companies need to adjust strategies, improve operational efficiency, and expand diversified services to navigate these market changes. The report highlights the shift from a capacity-constrained environment to one where managing excess capacity and adapting to declining freight rates will be crucial for profitability.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Volumes Rise in Midseptember

US Rail Freight Volumes Rise in Midseptember

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload and intermodal traffic both increased year-over-year in mid-September. Automobiles and petrochemicals performed strongly, while coal and grain faced challenges. Year-to-date figures present a mixed picture. The future market outlook depends on multiple factors, including the macroeconomy, energy transition, and supply chains. Overall, the rail freight sector shows signs of recovery in some areas, but continued growth is contingent on broader economic trends and specific commodity demands.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines Amid Economic Uncertainty

US Rail Freight Declines Amid Economic Uncertainty

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic decreased year-over-year for the week ending August 19, 2023. Carloads of motor vehicles, coal, and petroleum products increased, while grain, forest products, and farm products & food carloads declined. Year-to-date figures show a slight increase in rail freight carloads but a significant decrease in intermodal volume. Macroeconomic conditions, industry trends, supply chains, and energy prices are among the multiple factors influencing rail freight transportation.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Up Intermodal Down

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Up Intermodal Down

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending May 13th, U.S. rail freight showed a mixed performance. Carload traffic saw a slight increase of 0.9%, while intermodal traffic experienced a significant decline of 11.5%. Year-to-date figures reveal a 10.9% decrease in intermodal volume, negatively impacting overall freight volume. Businesses need to adapt to market changes, optimize supply chains, and proactively address these challenges. The decline in intermodal points to potential shifts in consumer demand and inventory management strategies.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rebounds Pointing to Economic Recovery

US Rail Freight Rebounds Pointing to Economic Recovery

Data from the Association of American Railroads reveals a significant increase in U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume for the week ending February 19th. All ten commodity categories experienced growth, signaling a potential economic recovery. Year-to-date figures show an increase in rail freight volume, but a decrease in intermodal. North American rail freight volume also demonstrates growth. These rail freight data reflect gradual improvements in industrial production, consumer demand, and supply chains. However, the industry faces both challenges and opportunities.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines Sparks Industry Growth Analysis

US Rail Freight Declines Sparks Industry Growth Analysis

According to the latest data from the Association of American Railroads (AAR), rail freight and intermodal traffic have decreased year-over-year. However, certain commodity categories, such as chemicals, agricultural products, and nonmetallic minerals, have shown growth. Businesses should focus on growth commodities while mitigating risks associated with declining ones. Optimizing supply chains, embracing digitalization, expanding into diverse markets, and strengthening risk management are crucial. By adapting to these changing dynamics, companies can seize growth opportunities in a shifting landscape.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Carloads Decline As Intermodal Gains

US Rail Freight Carloads Decline As Intermodal Gains

The Association of American Railroads reported a mixed performance for the U.S. rail freight market in the week ending March 21st. Carload traffic decreased by 2.4% year-over-year, despite strong performance in grain and automotive shipments. Intermodal volume, however, increased by 6.7%, reflecting e-commerce growth and the trend towards more sophisticated supply chains. The overall rail freight market faces both challenges and opportunities throughout the year. Optimizing networks, expanding services, applying technology, and strengthening collaboration are crucial for success.

02/12/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines in Carloads but Rises in Containers

US Rail Freight Declines in Carloads but Rises in Containers

The Association of American Railroads reports a mixed picture for rail freight: carload volume is down year-over-year due to economic restructuring and increased competition. However, container traffic is growing, driven by multimodal transportation and global trade. Railroads need to actively transform and embrace technological innovation to meet these market challenges. The container segment's growth highlights the importance of intermodal solutions and the continued relevance of rail in global supply chains, despite overall freight volume declines in other areas.

02/12/2026 Logistics
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WCO Council Supports Global Customs Cooperation Amid Challenges

WCO Council Supports Global Customs Cooperation Amid Challenges

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Council convened, highlighting the crucial role of customs in the context of the global pandemic. Several resolutions were adopted, including approving the financial budget and revising the Harmonized System. These aim to strengthen global customs cooperation, leverage technological innovation, and promote trade facilitation and sustainable development to address global trade challenges and ensure secure and smooth supply chains. The meeting emphasized the importance of international collaboration in navigating the complexities of the current global trade environment.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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