Topic
industrial economy
Logistics Record Rail Freight Volumes Signal Strong Industrial Economy Through H2 2026
Rail freight is experiencing surprising strength in 2026, with record-breaking carloads and intermodal units, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR). Broad-based growth across categories from chemicals to motor vehicles indicates a healthier industrial economy than many realize. Factors such as fuel prices, trucking capacity issues, and regulatory changes are positioning rail as a highly attractive option for shippers.
Logistics Logistics Managers' Index Reveals Extremely Tight Freight Market with Near-Record Low Capacity
The latest Logistics Managers' Index (LMI) report indicates a robust but extremely tight freight market, with transportation capacity hitting near-record lows. Shippers are struggling to find capacity, pushing transportation prices higher, a trend not seen since 2022. While retailers gain consumer confidence, manufacturers remain cautious.
Logistics Rail Traffic Surge Signals Industrial Growth
Rail traffic has increased significantly, indicating a robust industrial economy. Rail carload traffic rose by 2.5% and intermodal traffic by 8% year-over-year, according to FreightWaves.