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 carload traffic edged up 0.3% for the week ending October 18th, while intermodal traffic decreased by 4.8% year-over-year. Despite positive year-to-date cumulative figures, the market faces economic uncertainties and competitive pressures. Railroad companies need to improve efficiency and expand their business, and the government should increase infrastructure investment to jointly address the challenges.

01/21/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Declines in October but Up Yearly

US Rail Freight Declines in October but Up Yearly

US rail freight volume has recently decreased year-over-year, but shows a cumulative increase for the year. Shipments of commodities like automobiles and coal have declined, while metallic ores have increased. This fluctuation is influenced by factors such as the overall economy and supply chain dynamics. While weekly data shows drops, the year-to-date figures suggest continued, albeit slower, growth in rail freight, reflecting broader economic trends and the evolving landscape of commodity transportation.

10/31/2025 Logistics
Read More
US Freight Market Shows Recovery Signs Amid Recession Risks

US Freight Market Shows Recovery Signs Amid Recession Risks

Bloomberg analyst Krasco interprets the US freight market, highlighting the high risk of economic recession and the existing downturn in the freight market. He analyzes the potential for freight rates to bottom out and rebound, and forecasts the market and peak season prospects for the second half of the year. The article also explores industry coping strategies, policy impacts, and future development trends. It provides insights into navigating the current challenges and anticipating future shifts in the freight landscape amidst economic uncertainty.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Freight Pricing Trends Shift Amid Trade War Uncertainty

US Freight Pricing Trends Shift Amid Trade War Uncertainty

The freight market is experiencing increased uncertainty due to tariffs and consumer confidence fluctuations. Full truckload, parcel, and less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation are each undergoing changes, leading to frequent adjustments in pricing strategies. The impact of tariffs on trade flows is a significant factor influencing freight volumes and rates. Analyzing these trends is crucial for shippers and carriers to navigate the evolving market conditions and optimize their operations. Monitoring freight indices and understanding tariff implications are key to making informed decisions in this dynamic environment.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Freight Market Faces Challenges As Cass Index Declines

US Freight Market Faces Challenges As Cass Index Declines

The Cass Freight Index reveals declines in North American freight volume and expenditures year-over-year and month-over-month in November, indicating challenges to economic recovery. The report analyzes key factors impacting the freight market, including macroeconomics, inventory levels, retail activity, and energy prices, and provides an outlook on future opportunities and challenges. It recommends that freight companies optimize operations, diversify services, and strengthen customer relationships to navigate market fluctuations.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Freight Demand Dips As Service Sector Gains Momentum

US Freight Demand Dips As Service Sector Gains Momentum

The Bank of America Freight Index Q4 report reveals a significant decline in US freight volumes, marking the largest drop in recent years. This is attributed to the recovery of the service sector, inflation, and a cooling housing market. Regional performance varied, with the Western region experiencing the most significant impact. The report highlights the influence of shifting consumer spending patterns on the freight market. It advises businesses to closely monitor macroeconomic trends, optimize supply chains, and embrace technological innovation to navigate these challenges.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Rail Freight Rises in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Rises in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a mixed picture for the US rail freight market in late January. Carload traffic experienced a slight increase, driven by sectors like nonmetallic minerals, coal, and automotive. However, intermodal traffic continued to decline, potentially due to easing port congestion, inventory adjustments, and slowing consumer spending. Overall, North American rail freight saw a slight decrease. The rail freight market faces a future with both challenges and opportunities.

01/28/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Port Throughput Faces Challenges Amid Maritime Freight Shifts

US Port Throughput Faces Challenges Amid Maritime Freight Shifts

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of US port throughput data, revealing the impact of the pandemic on maritime trade and forecasting trends for 2024. By reviewing historical data and analyzing key factors, it highlights the crucial role of port data in supply chain management. The paper also introduces a data tracker to assist in decision-making. Embracing data is essential for navigating the future effectively. The analysis underscores the significance of real-time data monitoring for optimizing logistics and mitigating potential disruptions in global trade networks.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Freight Index Hits Record High Amid Economic Uncertainty

US Freight Index Hits Record High Amid Economic Uncertainty

The U.S. Freight Transportation Services Index (Freight TSI) has reached a record high, while economic data presents a mixed picture, showing a 'fire and ice' scenario. This article delves into the drivers behind the growth in freight volume, explores long-term trends, and looks ahead to future challenges and opportunities. The aim is to help readers better understand the current state and development prospects of the U.S. freight industry. The analysis considers factors influencing the index and provides insights into the complexities of the current economic landscape.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Rail Freight Volumes Rise Amid Economic Recovery Signs

US Rail Freight Volumes Rise Amid Economic Recovery Signs

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume both increased year-over-year in late April. Significant growth was observed in freight categories such as coal, motor vehicles & parts, and chemicals. Intermodal business also showed strong growth momentum. Despite challenges like supply chain bottlenecks and labor shortages, the recovery of rail transport has a positive impact on the economy. It is recommended to increase infrastructure investment and optimize supply chain management to further enhance the efficiency and reliability of rail transportation.

01/29/2026 Logistics
Read More