US Rail Freight Sees Winter Carload Drop Amid Intermodal Growth

US Rail Freight Sees Winter Carload Drop Amid Intermodal Growth

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight in February presented a mixed picture. Carload volume plummeted 11.1% year-over-year, dragged down by declining demand for coal, building materials, and automobiles. However, container traffic bucked the trend, growing by 1.8%, demonstrating the resilience of intermodal transportation. Severe weather exacerbated the challenges for traditional freight, highlighting the impact of economic restructuring and supply chain bottlenecks. Rail freight needs to actively transform, embracing intermodal solutions and digital technologies, to achieve a resurgence.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Women Gain Ground in Logistics Amid High Pay Diverse Roles

Women Gain Ground in Logistics Amid High Pay Diverse Roles

The logistics industry is undergoing a transformation, with the rise of women's power. Driven by high demand, competitive salaries, and diverse skill requirements, women are breaking traditional gender barriers and excelling with collaboration and creativity. Companies should foster a diverse and inclusive environment, offering flexible work arrangements and development opportunities to attract and retain female talent. By embracing gender diversity, we can collectively build a new future for logistics, leveraging the unique strengths and perspectives that women bring to the table.

Russia Shifts Trade Focus to Emerging Markets Boosts Agriculture

Russia Shifts Trade Focus to Emerging Markets Boosts Agriculture

Russia is actively promoting the diversification of its international trade, with a focus on expanding into emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Agriculture is a primary focus, with mechanical engineering and information technology advancing in parallel. By strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms, Russia is systematically expanding its markets and enhancing its influence in the global economic and trade system. This strategic shift aims to reduce reliance on traditional partners and capitalize on the growth potential of developing economies.

US Steel Adopts AI to Boost Supply Chain Efficiency

US Steel Adopts AI to Boost Supply Chain Efficiency

United States Steel Corporation is revolutionizing its procurement processes with AI-powered GEP software. This initiative aims to integrate external intelligence, strengthen cost modeling, optimize spend analysis, and automate reporting to improve operational efficiency, reduce risks, and support strategic decision-making. The GEP Sourcing module will be implemented first, marking a significant step in the company's digital transformation journey. This serves as a valuable example for other traditional industries seeking to modernize their operations and leverage the power of artificial intelligence in procurement.

Guide to Streamlining Crossborder Ecommerce Ocean Freight Customs

Guide to Streamlining Crossborder Ecommerce Ocean Freight Customs

Cross-border e-commerce ocean freight differs significantly from traditional foreign trade ocean freight. E-commerce has stricter requirements regarding packaging labels, booking arrangements, customs declaration methods, customs clearance entities, and destination port delivery. This article details these differences to help you avoid pitfalls and ensure your goods flow smoothly worldwide. It covers key aspects where e-commerce ocean freight diverges, providing insights for navigating the complexities of international shipping for online businesses and optimizing the FBA first leg process.

Guide to Authentic Austrian Souvenirs Highlights Cultural Treasures

Guide to Authentic Austrian Souvenirs Highlights Cultural Treasures

This report serves as a shopping guide for Austria, highlighting local specialty products such as Swarovski crystals, Mozart chocolate, Viennese music boxes, Austrian ceramics, and traditional clothing. It aims to assist travelers in discovering culturally representative treasures in Austria, allowing them to integrate travel memories into their daily lives. The guide provides insights into where to find these unique items and offers tips for a fulfilling shopping experience, ensuring visitors can bring home authentic souvenirs that reflect Austria's rich heritage.

Global Supply Chains Shift from Local Optimization to Synergy

Global Supply Chains Shift from Local Optimization to Synergy

Supply chain logistics, operating within the supply chain management framework, integrates all logistics activities across the entire chain to achieve optimal overall logistics performance. It differs significantly from traditional logistics in scope, objectives, management, information, inventory, and customer orientation. Through collaborative operations, information sharing, and optimized processes, supply chain logistics transforms logistics from a cost center into a value creation center, enhancing enterprise competitiveness. It emphasizes a holistic approach, focusing on efficiency, responsiveness, and resilience throughout the entire supply network.

Window and Door Firm Gains Market Share with Fullfunnel Marketing

Window and Door Firm Gains Market Share with Fullfunnel Marketing

This article discusses how a Guangdong-based doors and windows building materials company transformed from relying on traditional exhibitions and B2B platforms to proactive customer acquisition through Panshi's full-funnel marketing solution. The solution includes customized website development, Google SEO optimization, precise Google SEM advertising, and overseas social media management. Ultimately, it achieved reduced customer acquisition costs, increased inquiry proportion from independent channels, and growth in brand search volume, providing a valuable and replicable success story for companies in the same industry.

Expert Tips for Freight Forwarders on Customs Declarations

Expert Tips for Freight Forwarders on Customs Declarations

Based on the experience shared by Zhang Xiangru, a user from the Jiyun Baodian forum, this article delves into common customs declaration issues encountered in freight forwarding work, providing practical solutions to help freight forwarders improve their business skills. The content covers issues such as missing Chinese units on customs declarations, booking confirmation, and filling out customs export cargo declaration forms. It aims to offer valuable insights and guidance for navigating the complexities of export customs clearance.

Guide to Avoiding Freight Forwarding Fee Disputes in Global Trade

Guide to Avoiding Freight Forwarding Fee Disputes in Global Trade

This article provides a detailed analysis of common costs in international freight forwarding, including transportation fees, surcharges, and other expenses. It offers a Chinese-English comparison to help foreign trade practitioners understand freight forwarding charges and avoid trade disputes. The article also suggests ways to prevent cost disputes, emphasizing the importance of choosing reputable freight forwarders and clarifying the cost list. By understanding these details, businesses can navigate the complexities of international shipping and minimize potential financial risks.