US Rail Freight Shifts Intermodal Rises As Coal Declines

US Rail Freight Shifts Intermodal Rises As Coal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight performance in the first two weeks of January was mixed. Intermodal traffic increased by 11.6% year-over-year, driven by e-commerce and supply chain optimization. Traditional carloads decreased by 1.8% year-over-year, with a significant decline in coal shipments, reflecting the energy transition. Rail operators need to adjust their strategies and pay attention to market changes. Policymakers should support railway infrastructure development to promote intermodal transportation.

01/19/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Sees Carload Rise Amid Intermodal Decline

US Rail Freight Sees Carload Rise Amid Intermodal Decline

Recent data reveals a diverging trend in the US rail freight market: carload traffic saw a slight increase, driven by commodities like grains and automobiles, while intermodal transportation experienced a minor decline. Despite this, year-to-date cumulative figures still indicate overall positive performance. Market participants should closely monitor these dynamics, proactively address challenges, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. This nuanced understanding is crucial for strategic decision-making in the evolving rail freight landscape.

01/22/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Mixed in May Intermodal Gains Steady

US Rail Freight Mixed in May Intermodal Gains Steady

According to the latest data from the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight volume in May remained flat year-over-year, but intermodal traffic experienced strong growth. Intermodal transportation benefits from tight trucking capacity and corporate cost reduction demands, and is expected to maintain its growth momentum. The overall rail freight market reflects economic uncertainty. The industry needs to address challenges such as energy transition and manufacturing reshoring, while actively embracing technological innovation. The growth in intermodal offsets the weakness in other rail segments.

01/22/2026 Logistics
Read More
JB Hunt BNSF GMXT Launch Usmexico Quantum Intermodal Service

JB Hunt BNSF GMXT Launch Usmexico Quantum Intermodal Service

J.B. Hunt, BNSF Railway, and GMXT have launched the 'Mexico Quantum' intermodal service, aiming to provide faster and more reliable cross-border logistics solutions for US-Mexico trade by replacing time-sensitive highway freight with efficient rail transport. The service utilizes advanced tracking technology and a dedicated support team, connecting major US and Mexican cities and industrial centers. It promises an on-time delivery rate exceeding 95% and significantly reduces carbon emissions.

01/22/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US rail freight and intermodal volumes have decreased year-over-year, with intermodal showing a significant decline, potentially signaling a slowdown in demand. While cumulative year-to-date growth remains, caution is warranted. The industry faces both challenges and opportunities, necessitating a cautiously optimistic outlook. The sharp drop in intermodal volume is particularly concerning as it often reflects consumer spending and overall economic activity. Monitoring these trends is crucial for understanding future economic performance.

01/21/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Volumes Rebound in Late September

US Rail Freight Volumes Rebound in Late September

The Association of American Railroads reported that U.S. rail carload and intermodal traffic both increased year-over-year in late September. Carload traffic saw a slight increase of 0.9%, while intermodal traffic rose by 1.1%. Increased shipments of nonmetallic minerals, grain, and motor vehicle parts were observed, while coal, petroleum, and metallic ores declined. Year-to-date, both cumulative carload and intermodal volumes have experienced growth, reflecting the resilience and potential recovery of the U.S. economy.

01/21/2026 Logistics
Read More
North American Rail Freight Weathers Challenges Amid Resilience

North American Rail Freight Weathers Challenges Amid Resilience

US rail freight and intermodal volumes have recently declined year-over-year, but overall resilience remains. While rail freight has seen a slight decrease, certain commodity categories have experienced growth. Intermodal transportation faces greater challenges. Significant regional differences exist within the North American rail transportation market. Railroad companies need to embrace change through technological innovation, infrastructure upgrades, and intermodal integration to meet challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve sustainable development. The industry's ability to adapt will be crucial for long-term success in a dynamic economic landscape.

01/20/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Rebounds Amid Mixed Growth Trends

US Rail Freight Rebounds Amid Mixed Growth Trends

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows US rail freight and intermodal volume increased year-over-year in March, partially due to a low base in the same period last year. Performance varied across segments, with intermodal showing strong growth. Looking ahead, challenges include the pandemic, supply chain bottlenecks, and industry restructuring. Opportunities arise from infrastructure investment, intermodal development, and technological innovation. Railroad companies need to respond proactively, and shippers should optimize their logistics strategies. The future of rail freight is intertwined with these evolving dynamics.

01/19/2026 Logistics
Read More
Intermodal Transportation A Key Method to Enhance Global Logistics Efficiency

Intermodal Transportation A Key Method to Enhance Global Logistics Efficiency

Multimodal transport enhances global logistics efficiency and safety by seamlessly integrating various modes of transport such as ships, trains, and trucks. This model is applicable not only to maritime and air transportation but also facilitates efficient flow in land supply chains. Effectively managing the connections and coordination of each transport segment is crucial for improving overall supply chain efficiency.

07/23/2025 Logistics
Read More