US Rail Freight Faces Mixed Demand Amid Supply Chain Strains

US Rail Freight Faces Mixed Demand Amid Supply Chain Strains

The U.S. rail freight market presents a mixed picture, with overall carloads showing slight growth but intermodal volumes declining. Increases were observed in chemicals, nonmetallic minerals, and coal shipments, while grain, petroleum, and motor vehicles experienced decreases. Supply chain bottlenecks, shifting demand, and geopolitical risks pose significant challenges. Technological innovation and the green transition are crucial for future development and navigating the evolving landscape of the rail freight industry. These factors will determine the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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CH Robinson Waymo Via Partner on Autonomous Freight Tech

CH Robinson Waymo Via Partner on Autonomous Freight Tech

C.H. Robinson partnered with Waymo Via to test the application of autonomous trucks in logistics on the Dallas-Houston route. This collaboration aims to improve efficiency and address capacity challenges within the freight transportation sector. The pilot program explores how self-driving technology can optimize supply chains and contribute to more streamlined and reliable freight movement. The partnership highlights the growing interest in leveraging automation to enhance logistics operations and solve industry-wide issues related to driver shortages and increasing demand.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Transportation Regulators Shift Focus From Price Control to Value

Transportation Regulators Shift Focus From Price Control to Value

This paper reviews the "1.0" era of US transportation regulation, which centered on price control, and points out its limitations. It proposes the concept of "Regulation 2.0", emphasizing that the new generation of regulations should shift towards multi-dimensional value reshaping. This includes focusing on sustainable development, technological innovation, service quality, and safety assurance, to achieve the healthy development of the transportation industry. The shift moves beyond mere price regulation to encompass a broader range of societal and environmental considerations.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Changsha Offers Affordable Logistics for Large Item Shipping

Changsha Offers Affordable Logistics for Large Item Shipping

This article addresses the needs of shipping large items from Changsha. It provides a detailed guide on how to choose the right express delivery company, including comparing costs and services, filling out shipping information, packaging items, and tracking the logistics status. The aim is to help readers save money and effort, ensuring the safe delivery of large items. It covers key aspects of the shipping process to make it smoother and more efficient for those sending bulky goods from Changsha.

01/19/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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US STB Extends Comment Period on Rail Switching Proposal

US STB Extends Comment Period on Rail Switching Proposal

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has extended the comment deadline for its “Reciprocal Switching” proposal, which aims to provide poorly served freight rail shippers with the option to access other rail carriers. The new proposal establishes three key performance standards: service reliability, consistency, and local service. It also requires Class I railroads to provide historical data on service metrics. Industry response to the proposal has been mixed, but there's general agreement that it's intended to improve the quality of rail service.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Airline Travel Codes Grow More Complex Amid Industry Shifts

Airline Travel Codes Grow More Complex Amid Industry Shifts

Airline travel codes are becoming increasingly complex. This paper explores the evolution and challenges of Passenger Name Records (PNR), flight numbers, and coding systems within the context of multimodal transportation. It analyzes strategies the aviation industry employs to address code complexity, including standardization, technological innovation, passenger education, and forward-looking planning. The aim is to build a more efficient and convenient travel ecosystem. The paper highlights the need for continuous adaptation to ensure seamless travel experiences in an increasingly interconnected world.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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West Coast Canada Port Workers Reach Labor Deal

West Coast Canada Port Workers Reach Labor Deal

A tentative agreement has been reached again in the labor negotiations at Canada's West Coast ports, after a previous agreement was rejected by the union. The new agreement aims to address issues such as wages, benefits, and working conditions, but still requires ratification by union members. This event highlights the vulnerability of supply chains and the economic impact of labor relations. Long-term solutions require strengthened communication and increased mutual trust between labor and management to jointly address the challenges.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Ecommerce Giants Focus on Lastmile Delivery Strategies

Ecommerce Giants Focus on Lastmile Delivery Strategies

This webinar focuses on the "last mile" delivery in the e-commerce era's supply chain. It explores best practices, building outsourced service provider networks, the impact of service provider performance on brand reputation, and how to meet customers' extremely high expectations. Industry experts will share their experiences to help businesses stand out in the fierce market competition and win the "last mile" race. Learn strategies to optimize your final delivery stage and enhance customer satisfaction in the demanding e-commerce landscape.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Iowa Weighs Shorter Truck Following Distances to Boost Platooning

Iowa Weighs Shorter Truck Following Distances to Boost Platooning

Iowa is considering easing following distance restrictions for truck platooning, sparking discussions about technological advancements outpacing regulations and potential job impacts. This technology offers benefits such as improved fuel efficiency and safety, but also faces technical, safety, and regulatory challenges. Governments, businesses, and the public need to collaborate to navigate the transformation of the trucking industry. The debate highlights the need for proactive policy-making to address the implications of autonomous driving technologies in transportation and ensure a smooth transition for all stakeholders.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Faces Highway Trust Fund Crisis As Infrastructure Funding Woes Deepen

US Faces Highway Trust Fund Crisis As Infrastructure Funding Woes Deepen

The US Highway Trust Fund (HTF) has long faced funding shortages. The gas tax, unchanged since 1993, has hindered infrastructure projects. Short-term extensions offer temporary relief but fail to address the underlying problem. A bipartisan consensus is needed to find a long-term solution, and raising the gas tax may be a viable option. The HTF's financial woes necessitate a comprehensive approach to ensure the nation's infrastructure can be adequately maintained and improved, supporting economic growth and public safety.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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