Railroad Freight

As rail and intermodal rebound from years of underinvestment, new technology and AI-driven analytics are helping to modernize networks, improve service levels, and restore shipper confidence. With visibility, safety, and fluidity on the rise, industry leaders say rail’s digital transformation is finally catching up—setting the stage for a new era of intelligent, data-driven logistics.

The deal strengthens CMA CGM’s position in the UK railroad market and helps it shift more cargo from road to rail.

Discover the winners of Logistics Management’s prestigious “42nd Annual Quest for Quality Awards,” honoring top performers in transportation and logistics services. This year’s survey garnered over 3,017 responses, evaluating providers across key criteria like On-time Performance, Customer Service, and Information Technology. Categories include motor carriers, railroads, ocean carriers, and more, reflecting LM’s commitment to excellence in service quality. Learn who stood out and what sets them apart in the logistics industry.

A curated selection of the top 10 logistics and supply chain stories from 2024, reflecting key trends and themes identified by LM Group News Editor Jeff Berman—offering insights beyond popularity metrics to spotlight meaningful industry developments.

Three of the nation’s top market analysts examine the current state of the freight railroad and intermodal markets, including a look at service levels, pricing, competition with other modes, and the ongoing implementation of automation.

Which carriers, third-party logistics providers, and U.S. ports reached the pinnacle of service excellence over the course of the past year? Our readers have cast their votes, and now it’s time to introduce this year’s winners of the coveted Quest for Quality Awards.

High-level service in spite of unsteady volumes

Volumes are mixed as service levels show continued improvement

NS officials said that should this agreement be approved by the court, it will resolve all class action claims within a 20-mile radius from the derailment and, for those residents who choose to participate, personal injury claims within a 10-mile radius from the derailment.

Rail carloads, at 224,251, increased 2.6% annually, and intermodal containers and trailers, at 259,405, saw a 12.6% annual gain.

We canvassed a seasoned group of industry observers to record what happened this past year and what it means to our logistics and supply chain operations as we head into 2024. Here’s what they had to say.

Three of the nation’s top market analysts examine the current state of the freight railroad and intermodal markets, including a look at pricing, service levels, competition with other modes, and the slow—but steady—implementation of automation.

High-level service through unsteady volumes.

Rail/Intermodal volumes remain uneven as service improvements continue to take hold.

Rail carloads—at 240,584—saw a 5.1% annual increase, and intermodal containers and trailers—at 239,873—were down 10.8% annually.