Topic
rail freight
Logistics Industrial Products Drive U.S. Rail Freight Gains in Late July, AAR Reports
U.S. rail traffic increased 2.5% year-over-year for the week ending July 25, driven by petroleum and metals. Intermodal volume rose 3.5%. Year-to-date combined traffic is up 3.3%, signaling steady industrial demand.
Logistics J.B. Hunt Sees Record Intermodal Volumes, 'Massive Opportunities' in Eastern US Shift
J.B. Hunt Transport Services reported record intermodal volumes in Q2, with loads up 10% year-over-year, driven by an exodus of non-compliant drivers and a Supreme Court ruling on broker liability. The company sees 'massive opportunities' for intermodal conversion in the Eastern US, where intermodal is currently 30% cheaper than truckload. Operating income rose 32% to $259 million on revenue of $3.5 billion.
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 U.S. Rail Freight Booms Over July 4 Holiday Week, Intermodal Surges 12.9%
U.S. rail freight volumes surged during the week ending July 4, with total traffic up 8.7% year-over-year to 482,121 carloads and intermodal units, driven by a 12.9% jump in intermodal volume. Cumulative 26-week figures also show solid growth of 3.4%.
Logistics Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern Submit First Portion of Merger Data to STB, Face Deadline
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern submitted the first portion of additional merger data to the Surface Transportation Board on July 7, addressing questions about control of Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis, Kansas City Terminal Railway, and TTX. The railroads offered to divest their stakes to preserve neutrality. The STB set a July 27 deadline for the full submission, and a second filing on competition issues is expected. The merger is targeted for completion by mid-2027.
Logistics US Intermodal Rail Volume Surges 10% but Network Speeds Plunge to Multi-Month Lows
US intermodal rail volume surged 10% last week, according to AAR data, but network slowdowns have pushed train speeds to 10-20 month lows on major railroads. Canadian intermodal volumes are declining, creating a stark North American contrast. The growth is driven by select commodity segments, while crew staffing and fleet capacity constraints pose operational risks.
Logistics Intermodal Rail Freight Outpaces Carload Growth as Truckload Rates and Global Factors Shift Traffic
For the week ending June 13, 2026, total U.S. rail traffic rose 7.2% year-over-year, with intermodal volume up 10.9% and carload up 2.8%. Year-to-date, intermodal increased 2.7% while carload rose 3.2%. Commodities like grain (+21.7%) and metallic ores/metals (+19.2%) led carload gains, while chemicals fell 1.1%. Rising truckload rates, global fuel costs from the Iran war, and expectations of Asian price hikes are driving intermodal growth.
Logistics Organized Cargo Theft Targets Arizona Rail Corridor
Organized cargo theft crews continue to target the rail corridor in Northern Arizona, with recent arrests highlighting the ongoing issue. Authorities are working to combat these thefts, which frequently involve high-value goods like electronics and clothing.
Logistics Trucking Boosts Rail Freight Growth Amid Capacity Squeeze
The U.S. rail freight sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by shifts in the trucking market. Intermodal volumes have surged as shippers seek alternatives amid trucking capacity constraints.
Logistics Saia's Tonnage Growth Surges Amid Market Shifts
Saia's tonnage growth accelerated by 8.4% year-over-year in May, driven by increased shipment weights and a softer prior-year comparison. This growth reflects a strengthening less-than-truckload (LTL) market.