US Rail Freight Traffic Declines Postlabor Day

US Rail Freight Traffic Declines Postlabor Day

U.S. rail freight volume decreased in early September due to Labor Day, but cumulative volume remains up year-to-date. Carload and intermodal performance varied. The industry faces ongoing challenges including competition from other modes of transportation and increasing environmental pressures. Despite the holiday dip, the overall positive trend suggests continued economic activity, making rail freight volume a relevant economic indicator. Future performance will depend on adapting to these competitive and environmental factors.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Globaltranz Adapts to Pandemic Supply Chain Disruptions

Globaltranz Adapts to Pandemic Supply Chain Disruptions

GlobalTranz executive Ross Spanier offers an in-depth analysis of the pandemic's impact on supply chains, highlighting shipper anxiety, regional disparities, container shortages, inventory management challenges, capacity fluctuations, and intermodal transport difficulties. He emphasizes the critical role of technological innovation, adaptability, and collaboration in navigating the crisis. Spanier underscores the necessity of building more resilient supply chains to withstand future disruptions. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities, requiring businesses to rethink their strategies and prioritize agility.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Rail Freight Industry Faces Challenges Amid Recovery Efforts

Rail Freight Industry Faces Challenges Amid Recovery Efforts

This paper delves into the challenges and opportunities facing the current rail freight and container intermodal transportation market. The impact of the pandemic and supply chain disruptions have led to decreased service levels and significant congestion. Despite strong demand, the road to recovery is fraught with uncertainty. Key issues such as technological innovation, railway mergers, pricing strategies, and future development trends are analyzed in detail, providing valuable insights for shippers and industry stakeholders.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Decline Points to Yearend Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Yearend Economic Slowdown

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates that U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic decreased year-over-year for the week ending December 15th, but cumulative volumes remain slightly up for the year. Detailed data reveals varied performance across different commodity categories, reflecting structural market adjustments. Railroad companies need to pay attention to macroeconomic factors, supply chains, and the energy transition to actively address challenges, embrace change, and achieve sustainable development.

12/19/2025 Logistics
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Mexico Establishes Railway Authority to Strengthen Trade with China

Mexico Establishes Railway Authority to Strengthen Trade with China

Mexico has established ATTRAPI to promote standardization in railway logistics and boost intermodal transportation. Plans include building 3,000 kilometers of new passenger rail lines, aiming to improve logistics efficiency. This initiative is expected to benefit trade between China and Mexico by streamlining the movement of goods and reducing transportation bottlenecks. The focus on railway infrastructure and standardized processes is anticipated to create a more robust and reliable supply chain for both countries.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Promoting Collaborative Innovation in the Logistics Industry: Southwest Railway and Beibu Gulf Port Join Forces to Build a New Model of Iron-sea Intermodal Transport

Promoting Collaborative Innovation in the Logistics Industry: Southwest Railway and Beibu Gulf Port Join Forces to Build a New Model of Iron-sea Intermodal Transport

The southwestern region's railway collaborates with the Beibu Gulf port to promote the development of intermodal transportation. A multi-stakeholder seminar breaks down barriers between transport modes and enhances logistical connectivity. Three major railway bureaus and several companies have jointly introduced favorable pricing policies aimed at reducing logistics costs and improving customer service. This innovative cooperation injects new vitality into the logistics industry in the southwestern area, signaling the formation of a more efficient channel for overseas shipping.

07/21/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Chinas Rail Hubs Facilitate Eurasian Market Access

Chinas Rail Hubs Facilitate Eurasian Market Access

This paper provides a detailed analysis of China's major international railway intermodal exit port routes, including Manzhouli, Alashankou, Erenhot, Dandong, and Pingxiang. It introduces the advantages, applicable goods, and other border export routes of each line. The aim is to provide a reference for enterprises to choose the appropriate transportation solutions and help them expand into the Eurasian market. This information assists businesses in selecting the most efficient and cost-effective routes for their international shipments via rail.

09/26/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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US Rail Freight Volumes Drop Sharply Amid Coal Auto Slump

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop Sharply Amid Coal Auto Slump

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic declined year-over-year in June. Industries like coal and automotive were severely impacted, with energy transition and the pandemic being major contributing factors. Experts suggest that recovery is accelerating, but challenges remain. Careful attention to economic trends and informed decision-making are crucial for navigating the path forward. The decline highlights the complex interplay between economic activity, evolving energy policies, and ongoing disruptions.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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US Multimodal Transport Struggles With Congestion Aims for Recovery

US Multimodal Transport Struggles With Congestion Aims for Recovery

Multimodal transport expert Larry Gross highlighted challenges facing US intermodal transportation at the RailTrends conference, including congestion, capacity constraints, and declining market share amid a surge in trucking. He argued that supply chain reshaping requires a focus on resilience and redundancy. Gross anticipates freight volumes to stabilize in 2022, presenting both challenges and opportunities. The need for improved infrastructure and more efficient operations is crucial to regain market share and mitigate the ongoing supply chain disruptions.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Mississippi River Key to Modernizing US Logistics

Mississippi River Key to Modernizing US Logistics

US logistics faces challenges, highlighting the untapped potential of inland waterway transportation. While the Mississippi River already handles some transport, its capacity is limited by the Jones Act and infrastructure constraints. One company aims to increase capacity, but infrastructure remains a bottleneck. With policy support, technological innovation, and intermodal connections, inland waterway transportation has the potential to reshape the US logistics landscape. Overcoming these hurdles could provide a more efficient and sustainable alternative for moving goods across the country.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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