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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New Coal Shipping Route at Jinzhou Port Enhances Logistics Development

New Coal Shipping Route at Jinzhou Port Enhances Logistics Development

Jinzhou Port has opened a new coal shipping route from Jinzhou to Dalian to address the declining demand in the coal market. This route aims to enhance the port's throughput capacity by employing an innovative intermodal transportation model that integrates rail, road, and port resources. By providing personalized services and optimizing transportation processes, Jinzhou Port expects to achieve a significant increase in the fourth quarter, with transport volume reaching 1.8 million tons and a growth rate of approximately 50%.

07/21/2025 Logistics
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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 Declines Over Labor Day Longterm Growth Expected

US Rail Freight Declines Over Labor Day Longterm Growth Expected

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes decreased year-over-year in the first week of September, potentially due to Labor Day. However, year-to-date figures still indicate growth, with varying performance across different market segments. Rail freight faces challenges such as economic uncertainty and infrastructure bottlenecks, but also opportunities from e-commerce growth and manufacturing reshoring. Long-term, it's crucial to monitor trends and structural changes impacting the industry.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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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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Rail Freight Market Faces Challenges and Opportunities FTR

Rail Freight Market Faces Challenges and Opportunities FTR

This analysis examines the US rail freight market, focusing on carload, intermodal transportation, the CN-KCS merger, Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR), and policy impacts. The study highlights the need for rail companies to embrace innovation and transformation to effectively address the evolving challenges within the industry. Key areas of focus include adapting to changing market demands, optimizing operational efficiency, and navigating the regulatory landscape to maintain competitiveness and drive sustainable growth in the rail freight sector.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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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