US Rail Freight Carloads Rise As Container Volumes Decline

US Rail Freight Carloads Rise As Container Volumes Decline

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending January 17th, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 0.3% year-over-year, while container traffic decreased by 2.4%. Grain and chemical shipments were the primary drivers of carload growth. The decline in container traffic may indicate weakening consumer demand. The full-year trend remains to be seen, and the rail freight market faces both challenges and opportunities.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carloads increased by 3.3% year-over-year in late January, driven primarily by nonmetallic minerals and coal. However, intermodal traffic decreased by 6.7% year-over-year, suggesting weaker consumer demand. Year-to-date, carloads have increased by 3%, while intermodal traffic has declined by 8.4%. Overall North American rail traffic has slightly decreased, reflecting a complex economic outlook. The contrasting trends in carload and intermodal volumes highlight the mixed signals within the current economic landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines in February Raising Economic Worries

US Rail Freight Declines in February Raising Economic Worries

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both declined year-over-year for the week ending February 4th. While shipments of commodities like motor vehicles and petroleum increased, coal and grain volumes decreased. Overall, North American rail performance was weak, reflecting regional economic linkages and global economic downturn risks. The decline in freight volume may signal a potential economic slowdown and challenges for the supply chain.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Container Growth Offset Coal Decline

US Rail Freight Sees Container Growth Offset Coal Decline

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight performance in October was mixed. Container traffic increased year-over-year, reaching a 28-month high, driven by economic resilience and supply chain optimization. However, coal transportation declined, dragging down overall carload volume. Year-to-date figures also show a decrease in container traffic, influenced by the energy transition. The Panama Canal congestion may boost demand for rail container transport. The rail freight market faces both opportunities and challenges in the future.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Air Freight Costs Speed and Key Factors Explained

US Air Freight Costs Speed and Key Factors Explained

This article provides a detailed analysis of US air freight transit time calculation methods and cost components, offering freight rate references for common routes. It also identifies potential factors influencing transit time and rates, helping readers better plan air freight solutions, control costs, and ensure the safe and timely delivery of goods. The article aims to equip readers with the knowledge to optimize their air freight strategies for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

01/29/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Auto Parts Firms Eye US Market with Lowcost Strategies

Auto Parts Firms Eye US Market with Lowcost Strategies

This paper delves into the strategies Chinese auto parts companies employ to leverage cross-border e-commerce to tap into the US market with minimal investment. It emphasizes the importance of precise product selection, frictionless listing, efficient localization, and agile operations. Furthermore, it introduces how the VIOMALL platform assists companies in breaking through in cross-border e-commerce and seizing the historical opportunity in the US auto parts market. The paper highlights the potential for significant growth and market share gain through strategic online presence and customer engagement.

01/30/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Chinese Tech Firms Cleared in US Electronic Eyewear Probe

Chinese Tech Firms Cleared in US Electronic Eyewear Probe

The US ITC's Section 337 investigation into "Electronic Glasses" has been partially terminated, with companies like Waves Audio Electronics successfully concluding the case. This article delves into the characteristics and impact of Section 337 investigations, analyzes the reasons for the "breakthrough" of companies like Waves Audio, and provides strategic advice for Chinese enterprises facing Section 337 investigations. It emphasizes the importance of intellectual property protection and technological innovation in navigating these challenges and mitigating potential risks in the US market.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Rail Freight Intermodal Volumes Mixed in Early October

US Rail Freight Intermodal Volumes Mixed in Early October

US rail freight traffic saw a slight increase in the first week of October, with intermodal transportation experiencing significant growth. Nonmetallic minerals and other commodities drove the increase, while coal and other commodities declined. Year-to-date cumulative freight volume shows growth. Market risks warrant attention.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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Prologis US Interior Secretary Tackle Energy AI in Logistics

Prologis US Interior Secretary Tackle Energy AI in Logistics

Prologis discussed the impact of energy and artificial intelligence on the future of supply chains with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. Prologis is transitioning from a logistics real estate provider to an infrastructure provider, meeting customers' needs for economical and reliable energy through diversified energy strategies and data center construction. The company aims to capitalize on the new opportunities brought about by the development of artificial intelligence.

01/30/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Container Imports Near Record Amid Tariffs Seasonal Demand

US Container Imports Near Record Amid Tariffs Seasonal Demand

Descartes' Global Shipping Report indicates that U.S. container imports reached the second-highest level in history in August, influenced by seasonal demand and tariff policies. The proportion of imports from China decreased, and port shares on the East and West Coasts diverged. Businesses should diversify their supply chains, optimize inventory management, strengthen logistics partnerships, and closely monitor policy changes to address these challenges.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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