US Rail Freight Mixed in May Intermodal Gains Steady

US Rail Freight Mixed in May Intermodal Gains Steady

According to the latest data from the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight volume in May remained flat year-over-year, but intermodal traffic experienced strong growth. Intermodal transportation benefits from tight trucking capacity and corporate cost reduction demands, and is expected to maintain its growth momentum. The overall rail freight market reflects economic uncertainty. The industry needs to address challenges such as energy transition and manufacturing reshoring, while actively embracing technological innovation. The growth in intermodal offsets the weakness in other rail segments.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines in Carloads but Gains in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Declines in Carloads but Gains in Intermodal

For the week ending February 10, 2024, U.S. rail carload traffic decreased by 2.5%, while intermodal traffic increased by 11.1%. Year-to-date figures show a decrease of 6.4% in carloads and an increase of 6.5% in intermodal volume. These figures provide insights into the current state of freight transportation and can be used as economic indicators.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Multimodal Transport Adapts to Shifting Logistics Demands

Multimodal Transport Adapts to Shifting Logistics Demands

The multimodal transportation market faces multiple challenges including freight volume, labor shortages, and tariffs. Bridge accidents significantly impact supply chains, affecting railways and e-commerce. Flexible responses are crucial to navigate these disruptions and ensure sustainable development. The need for resilient strategies is paramount in addressing these interconnected issues and maintaining efficient operations within the logistics landscape.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Air Freight Industry Adopts 72hour Storage Buffer Standard

Air Freight Industry Adopts 72hour Storage Buffer Standard

This article delves into the rent-free period for international air freight airport warehouses, revealing its operational rules and key cost control strategies. By leveraging strategies such as cargo volume commitments, customs clearance process optimization, and off-peak warehousing, companies can strive for a 72-hour rent-free period, thereby reducing logistics costs. The article provides practical steps and solutions for handling special circumstances, empowering businesses to gain a cost advantage in international air freight. It focuses on how to effectively utilize the rent-free window to minimize warehousing expenses.

11/03/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Truckload Index Highlights Profit Tactics in July Freight Slump

Truckload Index Highlights Profit Tactics in July Freight Slump

The July DAT Truckload Volume Index indicates a freight market influenced by seasonality, with declining rates and excess capacity. Experts recommend monitoring market data, optimizing costs, implementing flexible pricing, and enhancing service quality. Proactive transformation is crucial to prepare for market recovery, seize opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth. Focus on data-driven decisions and strategic adjustments to navigate the current challenges and position your business for future success in the evolving freight landscape. Staying agile and informed will be key to weathering the downturn and capitalizing on the eventual rebound.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Declines in May As Coal Petroleum Demand Wanes

US Rail Freight Declines in May As Coal Petroleum Demand Wanes

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a decline in both U.S. rail carloads and intermodal units for the week ending May 21. Significant decreases were observed in coal and petroleum products shipments, while miscellaneous carloads, nonmetallic minerals, and motor vehicles & parts saw increases. The article analyzes the multiple factors contributing to the freight volume decline, including economic slowdown and shifting consumer demand. It suggests strategies such as diversifying business operations, improving service quality, and embracing technological innovation to address the challenges and maintain competitiveness in the rail freight industry.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carloads increased by 2.9% year-over-year for the week ending August 20th, driven primarily by coal and grain shipments. However, intermodal traffic decreased by 2.4% year-over-year, with a year-to-date decline of 5.5%. While overall North American rail freight volume saw a slight increase, intermodal transportation also faced a decline. This divergence in the rail freight market reflects the complexity of the economic situation, highlighting the need for improved efficiency and collaboration to address future challenges.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Carload Drop Intermodal Rise

US Rail Freight Sees Carload Drop Intermodal Rise

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a decline in rail freight carloads, but an increase in intermodal volume. The rise of e-commerce, supply chain reshaping, growing environmental awareness, and technological innovation are driving factors behind this growth. Rail freight companies should increase investment in intermodal infrastructure, expand service offerings, strengthen partnerships, leverage technological innovation to improve operational efficiency, and focus on sustainable development. By embracing these strategies and capitalizing on the opportunities presented by intermodal transportation, rail companies can successfully navigate the evolving landscape and transform their businesses.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Qingdao to US Ocean Freight Costs Rise Amid Shipping Challenges

Qingdao to US Ocean Freight Costs Rise Amid Shipping Challenges

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of sea freight costs from Qingdao to the United States, covering factors such as route distance, vessel type, cargo weight and volume, container type, port charges, and market supply and demand. It compares sea freight costs to major US ports like New York, Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Seattle. The study also addresses frequently asked questions regarding shipping time, required documentation, and LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping, aiming to assist businesses in optimizing their logistics plans and reducing transportation expenses.

02/12/2026 Logistics
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Shanghaitaiwan Sea Freight Costs and Key Factors Explained

Shanghaitaiwan Sea Freight Costs and Key Factors Explained

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the price structure of sea freight logistics from Shanghai to Taiwan. It elaborates on key influencing factors such as cargo type, volume/weight, transportation mode, shipping distance, booking timing, and value-added services. It offers practical advice on price estimation and cost control, aiming to assist businesses in selecting suitable logistics partners, optimizing transportation plans, and reducing logistics costs. The focus is on helping businesses understand the complexities of Shanghai-Taiwan sea freight and make informed decisions to minimize expenses.

02/02/2026 Logistics
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