US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in Late July

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in Late July

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail carloads and intermodal traffic both declined year-over-year in late July. Performance varied across specific categories, with year-to-date figures showing mixed results. Multiple factors, including macroeconomic conditions, supply chains, competition, structural changes, and geopolitics, are intertwined. While technological innovation, sustainable development, and infrastructure investment present opportunities, the rail industry must actively address challenges to achieve recovery. The overall outlook remains uncertain as the industry navigates these complex dynamics.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
North American Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

North American Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

Recent data reveals a mixed picture for the North American rail freight market: carload volume shows slight growth, while intermodal transportation declines. This report analyzes the structural characteristics driving the growth and the reasons behind the decline. It proposes strategies such as lean operations and innovation to help businesses seize opportunities, meet challenges, and achieve sustainable development. The report aims to provide insights for navigating the current market dynamics and fostering long-term success in the rail freight industry.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
Freight Rail Market Faces Opportunities and Challenges AAR

Freight Rail Market Faces Opportunities and Challenges AAR

Association of American Railroads President and CEO Ian Jefferies discusses key issues including freight rail and intermodal volumes, rail safety initiatives, and service quality. He emphasizes the industry's proactive pursuit of innovative solutions to enhance safety, optimize operations, and address opportunities and challenges. The goal is to provide customers with superior service and contribute to economic growth. The interview highlights the ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and reliability within the freight rail sector while maintaining a strong focus on safety.

US Rail Freight Decline Hints at Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Hints at Economic Slowdown

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that for the week ending August 5th, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both declined. Automotive and metals transportation saw growth, while coal, grain, and chemical product transportation faced downward pressure. Multiple factors are influencing rail freight. Moving forward, railway companies need to seize opportunities and meet challenges.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Demand Slows Amid Economic Shifts

US Rail Freight Demand Slows Amid Economic Shifts

U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic decreased year-over-year for the week ending August 5th. Automotive parts saw growth, while grain and coal declined. Year-to-date freight traffic showed a slight increase, but intermodal volume experienced a significant decrease. The overall trend indicates a mixed performance in the rail freight sector, with some commodities showing resilience while others face headwinds. The large drop in intermodal volume is a key area of concern for the industry.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Carloads Drop Intermodal Rises Slightly

US Rail Freight Carloads Drop Intermodal Rises Slightly

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending November 4th, U.S. rail carload traffic decreased by 5.2% year-over-year, while intermodal volume increased by 1.5%. Year-to-date, carload traffic is roughly flat, while intermodal volume is down 7%. The market shows a divergent trend. Influenced by various factors, railway companies need to pay close attention to market dynamics and adjust their strategies accordingly. This highlights the contrasting performance between traditional rail freight and intermodal transport within the current economic landscape.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Carloads Drop Intermodal Rises Slightly

US Rail Freight Carloads Drop Intermodal Rises Slightly

For the week ending November 4, 2023, U.S. rail freight showed mixed results. Carload traffic decreased by 5.2% year-over-year, but the decline narrowed, with gains in categories like automotive, agricultural products, and petroleum. Intermodal volume increased by 1.5% year-over-year. Year-to-date figures indicate carload traffic is roughly flat compared to the same period last year, while intermodal volume is down 7.0%. The rail freight market faces both challenges and opportunities moving forward.

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

US Rail Freight Sees Carload Drop Intermodal Rise

US rail freight performance in November was mixed: carload volume decreased, while intermodal volume increased. Year-to-date carload volume remained flat, but intermodal volume declined. Influenced by macroeconomic factors and others, future investment and innovation are crucial for the rail freight industry to thrive. The diverging trends highlight the evolving dynamics of freight transportation and the need for adaptation in a changing economic landscape.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Struggles Carloads Dip Intermodal Flat

US Rail Freight Struggles Carloads Dip Intermodal Flat

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight performance diverged in the week ending November 4th. Carload traffic decreased by 5.2% year-over-year, although the decline narrowed compared to previous weeks. Intermodal traffic increased by 1.5% year-over-year, but the growth rate slowed. Year-to-date figures show carload traffic remaining roughly flat, while intermodal traffic is down 7.0% year-over-year. Key challenges facing the rail freight market include economic downturn risks, supply chain restructuring, technological changes, and sustainability concerns.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Sees Carload Drop Intermodal Growth

US Rail Freight Sees Carload Drop Intermodal Growth

The US rail freight market presents a mixed picture: carload volume is declining year-over-year, influenced by energy transition and supply chain diversification. Conversely, intermodal transportation is experiencing robust growth, driven by the rise of e-commerce, policy support, and its inherent advantages. Logistics companies should capitalize on intermodal opportunities by increasing investment, expanding networks, and providing customized solutions. Furthermore, focusing on sustainable development is crucial for long-term success in this evolving landscape.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More