US Rail Freight Sees Split Trends in Carload Intermodal Volumes

US Rail Freight Sees Split Trends in Carload Intermodal Volumes

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending August 23rd, U.S. rail carloads increased by 0.6% year-over-year, while intermodal traffic decreased by 1.9%. Grain and automotive shipments showed strong performance, while oil and coal shipments declined. Year-to-date figures still indicate solid growth. Railroad companies need to improve efficiency, invest in infrastructure, expand services, and focus on sustainable development.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rises Slightly As Intermodal Gains Amid Fuel Costs

US Rail Freight Rises Slightly As Intermodal Gains Amid Fuel Costs

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic experienced a slight increase in the week ending September 10th. Intermodal demand continues to grow, benefiting from rising fuel costs. Freight volume varied across different commodity categories, reflecting economic restructuring. Railroad companies need to increase infrastructure investment, optimize capacity allocation, strengthen talent development, and enhance technological innovation to address challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve sustainable development.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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Union Pacific Norfolk Southern Merger Faces Scrutiny As Rail Industry Shifts

Union Pacific Norfolk Southern Merger Faces Scrutiny As Rail Industry Shifts

The proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern aims to create the first transcontinental railroad in the United States. Despite strong shareholder support, it faces rigorous scrutiny from the STB, challenges from competitors, and concerns from shippers. Whether the merger will improve efficiency and reshape competitive advantages remains to be seen. The regulatory landscape and potential impacts on freight logistics are key considerations in this significant industry consolidation.

01/17/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Dips Over Labor Day Longterm Growth Strong

US Rail Freight Dips Over Labor Day Longterm Growth Strong

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume declined year-over-year in the first week of September, influenced by Labor Day. The performance of specific commodity types varied, reflecting economic structural changes. Year-to-date cumulative data still shows growth, indicating a positive long-term outlook. Railroad companies need to address supply chain challenges and competition to seize development opportunities.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Union Pacifics 85B Norfolk Southern Merger Delayed Amid Opposition

Union Pacifics 85B Norfolk Southern Merger Delayed Amid Opposition

The proposed $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern has been delayed due to technical issues, sparking strong opposition from competitors. BNSF accuses UP of hindering competition, while NAWE expresses concerns about the merger's impact on the intermodal network. The Surface Transportation Board's (STB) review will determine the fate of this potentially transformative deal in the railroad industry, often referred to as a 'marriage of the century'.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Union Pacific Norfolk Southern Merger Faces Delays Amid Opposition

Union Pacific Norfolk Southern Merger Faces Delays Amid Opposition

The proposed $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, aimed at creating the first transcontinental railroad in the US, has been delayed due to technical issues, causing industry disruption. The merger faces resistance from competitor BNSF and concerns from the NAWE union, raising questions about industry competition, supply chain stability, and port economies. The future of the merger hinges on regulatory review and the negotiations among involved parties.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Bill Greenwood Intermodal Rail Pioneer Dies

Bill Greenwood Intermodal Rail Pioneer Dies

This article commemorates William E. (Bill) Greenwood, former Chief Operating Officer of Burlington Northern Railroad (BN), highlighting his exceptional contributions to rail transport, particularly intermodal operations, and his personal charisma. Greenwood was a bold innovator and reformer, widely regarded as a "founding father" of intermodal business within the rail industry. His pioneering work significantly shaped the development and advancement of intermodal transportation, leaving a lasting legacy on the industry.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Regulator Reviews Cns 336B Bid for Kansas City Southern

US Regulator Reviews Cns 336B Bid for Kansas City Southern

Canadian National Railway (CN) and Kansas City Southern (KCS) have jointly filed a voting trust application with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to advance their proposed $33.6 billion merger. The merger aims to create a rail network spanning across North America, encompassing three countries. However, it has sparked widespread debate regarding market competition and public interest. The STB's decision will have a significant impact on the North American railroad industry.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rises Slightly Intermodal Declines in October

US Rail Freight Rises Slightly Intermodal Declines in October

U.S. rail freight saw a slight increase in overall volume, while intermodal transportation experienced a decline. Certain freight categories demonstrated growth, while others decreased. Despite short-term fluctuations, the long-term trend remains positive. Railroad companies need to improve operational efficiency and adapt to evolving market demands to capitalize on future opportunities. This includes optimizing resource allocation, enhancing customer service, and embracing technological advancements to maintain competitiveness and sustain growth in the rail freight sector.

01/17/2026 Logistics
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