traffic shift News

Rail Industry Advances Safety Labor Relations and Innovation

AAR and ASLRRA leaders discussed railroad safety, labor, and operational issues at the RailTrends conference. Key topics included the shift from strained to cooperative labor relations, with agreements improving employee work-life balance. Discussions also centered on railroad safety legislation, emphasizing data-driven decision-making rather than beliefs. Short line railroads focused on customer-specific services and safe operations, aiming for a win-win situation for the industry. The overall theme highlighted collaboration and innovation to enhance safety and efficiency across the rail network.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights

XPO Logistics Sells Intermodal Unit to STG in Strategic Move

XPO Logistics sold its intermodal business to STG Logistics for $710 million, aiming to focus on its core Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and truck brokerage businesses and optimize its capital structure. STG Logistics expands its service offerings and builds an integrated logistics platform through the acquisition. This move reflects the trends of specialization and integration in the logistics industry, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing the multimodal transportation market. The deal signifies a strategic shift for both companies in a dynamic logistics landscape.

02/11/2026 Logistics

US Rail Freight Declines As Coal Demand Drops

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a year-over-year decline in U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume in March, largely attributed to a significant drop in coal shipments. Despite the overall downturn, there were increases in chemical, miscellaneous carloads, and motor vehicles and parts. Railroad companies need to actively transform, diversify their businesses, and embrace technological innovation to address challenges and seize opportunities in a changing market. This requires a strategic shift away from reliance on coal and towards more resilient and growing sectors.

02/12/2026 Logistics

New IATA Guide Shifts Aviation Safety to Riskbased Audits

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released a new edition of the 'IOSA Audit Best Practice Handbook' to promote a shift towards risk-based aviation safety audits. The handbook provides guidance on advanced auditing techniques and internal audit program development. Used in conjunction with the IOSA Standards Manual, it helps airlines enhance their safety management and prepare for the new standards taking effect on April 1, 2025. This resource aims to support airlines in improving safety performance through a more proactive and targeted approach to auditing.

01/20/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia

Breakbulk Sector Adapts with Upgrades and Tech Innovations

The maritime bulk cargo transportation is undergoing a profound transformation, with the upgrading of multipurpose vessels (MPVs) being crucial. Market trends indicate the phasing out of smaller vessels, replaced by MPVs with enhanced lifting capacity and the ability to accommodate diverse cargo types. Technological advancements extend beyond the vessels themselves to encompass marketing and booking methods. Shippers need to pay attention to changes in market competition and explore new cooperation models to address future challenges. The shift towards larger, more versatile MPVs is reshaping the industry.