US Rail Freight Volumes Rise Amid Economic Recovery

US Rail Freight Volumes Rise Amid Economic Recovery

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic for the week ending August 30th increased by 0.6% year-over-year, with intermodal traffic up 1.2%. Chemicals and metallic ores showed strong performance, while petroleum and grain declined. Cumulative freight traffic for the first 35 weeks of 2025 continues to grow, suggesting a gradual economic recovery. The rail industry faces both challenges and opportunities, requiring continuous innovation and development.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in Late September

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in Late September

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a year-over-year decline in U.S. rail carloads and intermodal units in late September, but cumulative volumes remain up for the year. Grain and metallic ores bucked the trend with increased freight volume, while coal experienced the largest drop. Looking ahead, the rail freight market faces challenges from competition with trucking and the energy transition, but also holds opportunities for technological innovation and service upgrades. This suggests a complex landscape for the industry, requiring adaptation and strategic planning for future growth.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Railroad Mergers Spark Debate on Manufacturing Impact

US Railroad Mergers Spark Debate on Manufacturing Impact

Chris Jahn, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), expressed concerns regarding the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, arguing it could weaken competition, harm service, and ultimately impact U.S. manufacturing. The ACC will actively advocate for regulatory action and emphasize the importance of reforms like reciprocal switching to build a more competitive and reliable rail transportation system. The ACC believes these changes are crucial to ensure efficient and cost-effective transportation for the chemical industry and other sectors reliant on rail freight.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Trucking Rates Climb Despite Falling Freight Volume

US Trucking Rates Climb Despite Falling Freight Volume

A peculiar phenomenon emerged in the US freight market in September: freight volumes declined while freight rates slightly increased. This wasn't driven by demand but rather by freight imbalances and changes in capacity. Small fleets might benefit from rising rates on return routes. However, the overall market still faces challenges. A weak traditional peak season is anticipated, potentially leading to more trucking company bankruptcies.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Trucking Volumes Decline Amid Uneven Economic Recovery

US Trucking Volumes Decline Amid Uneven Economic Recovery

The American Trucking Associations reported a 1.2% month-over-month decrease in the U.S. truck tonnage index for September, ending two months of gains. Despite a slow and challenging economic recovery, the overall trend has been upward since January. This article analyzes the economic conditions behind the data, highlighting the impact of factors such as manufacturing, consumer spending, international trade, and policies on trucking volumes. It also looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities facing the industry in the future.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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3PL Boom Drives US Industrial Real Estate Demand

3PL Boom Drives US Industrial Real Estate Demand

Third-Party Logistics (3PL) companies are outperforming traditional retailers and e-commerce businesses in the U.S. industrial real estate leasing market. Businesses are increasingly outsourcing their logistics operations to reduce costs and improve efficiency, driving demand for 3PL services. E-commerce companies are also undergoing transformation and embracing 3PL solutions. The market share of 3PL is expected to continue to grow in the future. For industrial real estate investors, understanding and capitalizing on this trend is crucial for success.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Prologis Report Highlights US Industrial Real Estate Resilience

Prologis Report Highlights US Industrial Real Estate Resilience

The Prologis IBI report indicates a return to pre-pandemic levels of activity in the industrial real estate market. First-quarter rents rose by 4.4%, while vacancy rates remained low at 3.7%. Despite a decrease in new construction starts, market demand remains robust. Prologis anticipates continued rental growth in the future. Businesses and investors should closely monitor market dynamics to capitalize on opportunities and mitigate potential risks in this evolving landscape.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Import Surge Spurs Pretariff Stockpiling Challenges Loom

US Import Surge Spurs Pretariff Stockpiling Challenges Loom

S&P Global reports a robust 11.6% year-over-year increase in US import volumes for 2024, driven by strong consumer demand and anticipated tariffs. However, upcoming tariff policies are projected to cause a decline in imports in 2025. Businesses are advised to diversify supply chains and localize production to mitigate these challenges. The tariff policies will not only affect US imports but also reshape the global trade landscape. Companies should proactively adapt to the changing environment.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Imports Rise Defying Tariffs 2025 Growth Expected

US Imports Rise Defying Tariffs 2025 Growth Expected

According to a S&P Global Market Intelligence report, US imports defied expectations and grew by 11.6% in 2024 despite tariffs. This growth was driven by factors such as front-loading of imports, post-inventory reduction rebound, and resilient consumer demand. Looking ahead to 2025, challenges remain due to tariff policies, geopolitical risks, and a potential global economic slowdown. Businesses should focus on diversifying supply chains, strengthening risk management, and closely monitoring policy changes to navigate the evolving trade landscape.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Chamber Warns Aging Infrastructure Risks Global Trade

US Chamber Warns Aging Infrastructure Risks Global Trade

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce warns that aging U.S. infrastructure is causing bottlenecks at ports and in cities, exacerbating global trade delays. They urge swift modernization upgrades. Modernizing infrastructure will not only improve efficiency and reduce costs but also enhance U.S. competitiveness in the global economy and create jobs. This investment is crucial to alleviate current supply chain issues and ensure the long-term economic prosperity of the United States.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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