October 2024 Logistics Manager’s Index Report® LMI® at 58.9
Growth is INCREASING AT AN INCREASING RATE for: Warehousing Utilization, Transportation Capacity, Transportation Utilization, and Transportation Prices. Growth is INCREASING AT A DECREASING RATE for: Inventory Levels, Inventory Costs, Warehousing Capacity and Warehousing Prices The October Logistics Manager’s Index reads in at 58.9, up (+0.3) from September’s reading of and at its highest levels since September 2022. The overall index has now increased for eleven consecutive months, providing strong evidence that the logistics industry is back on solid footing. The clearest example of this is the jump in the expansion for Transportation Prices which were up (+5.7) to 64.1, which is the fastest rate of growth for this metric since May of 2022. Transportation Capacity was fairly consistent with last month, increasing very slightly (+0.8) to 50.8 and implying very minimal levels of growth. Interestingly, Transportation Capacity actually contracted in the first half of October (45.8) before expanding again later in the month (54.3). It will be interesting to see if capacity continues to loosen in November or if it moves back towards no change. It is possible that as Transportation Prices continue to rise more idle capacity will come off the sidelines to take advantage of the increased opportunity, leading to the somewhat counterintuitive situation that we now find ourselves in where both Transportation Prices and Capacity are increasing. By contrast, our three warehousing metrics have remained fairly stable as capacity grows at a steady rate (-0.1 to 55.8) and Warehousing Utilization (+1.9 to 62.9) and Warehousing Prices (-1.1 to 65.8) are relatively consistent with the changes observed in September. Underlying all of this is the continued expansion of Inventory Levels (-0.4 to 59.4) and Inventory Costs (-5.5 to 65.8). Breaking the streak of the last 6 months, more Inventory Level expansion is now coming from Downstream retailers (65.7) than from Upstream firms (56.3), suggesting that retailers are stocked up, and will likely continue to stock up, for the holiday shopping season. Researchers at Arizona State University, Colorado State University, Florida Atlantic University, Rutgers University, and the University of Nevada, Reno, and in conjunction with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) issued this report today. Results Overview The LMI score is a combination of eight unique components that make up the logistics industry, including: inventory levels and costs, warehousing capacity, utilization, and prices, and transportation capacity, utilization, and prices. The LMI is calculated using a diffusion index, in which any reading above 50.0 indicates that logistics is expanding; a reading below 50.0 is indicative of a shrinking logistics industry. The latest results of the LMI summarize the responses of supply chain professionals collected in October 2024. The LMI read in at 58.9 in October, which is up (+0.3) from September’s reading of 58.6. This is the fastest rate of expansion for the overall index since September of 2022. While this is the 25th consecutive reading below the all-time average of 61.8 for the overall metric, the current trajectory suggests that may not be the case for much longer. The sustained growth in the LMI over the last few months is reflected in the steady growth of the U.S. economy throughout Q3. The 2.8% growth was driven largely by consumer spending, which was up 3.7% year-over-year (up from the 2.8% y-o-y growth in Q2), as well as an 8.9% growth in exports[1]. The increased consumer spending in Q3 was likely one of the signals firms have relied on in their decisions to increase exports throughout the second half of 2024. Spending may have been driven by the continued deceleration of inflation, as the PCE was only up 1.5% year-over-year in Q3, which is the lowest quarterly rate of inflation growth in four years. Core PCE inflation, which excludes food and energy, read in at 2.2%. Drilling in to a more micro level, core September PCE was up 2.1%, down from the 2.7% growth seen a year ago and essentially in line with the Fed’s stated target of 2% annual growth[2]. There are also some indicators that inflation will continue slowing, as wholesale prices in the U.S. were unchanged month-over-month in September – standing in contrast to the 2.8% increase seen over the same period in 2023. Because wholesale price increases are generally passed down to retailers and consumers, this stabilization may represent some price relief yet to come[3]. In the last week of October, The Conference Board reading of U.S. consumer confidence jumped up to 108.7. This is an increase of 9.5-points which is the largest jump since March of 2021. The proportion of respondents anticipating a recession in the next year also fell to its lowest level since July of 2022 (which was the first month the question was included in the survey)[4]. It was not all positive news in October. The U.S. added only 12,000 jobs which was significantly below expectations and is down from previous months. Transportation and warehousing jobs remained essentially unchanged in October, which is not what one might expect heading into the traditional peak season[5]. This low number was at least partially due to strikes at Boeing, and the aftermath of the two hurricanes that hit the East Coast early in the month[6] and may have cost the economy somewhere around 100,000 jobs[7]. However, even with those anomalies, job growth has been slowing over the last three months, providing another indication that the level of economic growth in the U.S. has moved to a more sustainable level and that interest rates can continue to come down. A big reason for the slowing rates of inflation is how well supply chains are working right now. According to the San Francisco Fed, supply-driven inflation was negative in September, meaning that the abundance of goods such as fuel, consumables, and groceries drove prices down. This marks the third time in the past 10 readings that supply has been deflationary for the U.S. economy[8]. Taken altogether, the news on inflation has caused analysts to expect that the Fed will cut interest rates by another quarter point at their meeting
Cimcorp appointed Pekka Natri as Head of Region
With nearly 30 years of experience leading diverse international teams, Natri will streamline all North American operations and align regional goals with global strategy Cimcorp has announced the appointment of Pekka Natri to Head of Region for North America. Natri has been a key member of the Cimcorp team since 2018, formerly serving as Head of Region for SEAP and India. With a successful track record of establishing and growing local entities for international businesses, Natri will now be responsible for streamlining all North American operations, driving collaboration with partners, and aligning regional goals with Cimcorp Group’s global strategy. “I am thrilled to take on this new opportunity to strengthen Cimcorp’s position as a leader in the North American market,” said Natri. “As head of region, my goal is to make an immediate, positive impact for customers and employees today, as well as to set the groundwork for ultimately shaping the future of automation in our core sectors—grocery retail and tire manufacturing.” With a background in biotechnical engineering and nearly 30 years of experience in the technology space, Natri has led teams in many different parts of the world, including China, India, Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Finland. His breadth of expertise spans business development, management, sales, solution development, and project delivery, and he has successfully implemented strategic growth plans for complex international businesses at the market area level and on a global scale. After joining Cimcorp in 2018, Natri spearheaded the company’s efforts to expand its presence and customer service capabilities in India. Nartri established a new office in Chennai, where he managed everything from location selection to recruitment and training. In 2023, Natri led the startup of a new office in Sydney, Australia, helping Cimcorp achieve a stronger position in the Australian market. In his new role, Natri will focus on aligning North American teams, functions, and partners to best serve customers locally while also supporting global growth. “Through working in various countries with diverse teams, I’ve developed a deep understanding and appreciation of different perspectives and ways of thinking. As a manager, I give people the freedom to approach ideas and issues in new ways—which enables our team to collaborate and solve challenges with open minds,” said Natri. “I’ve also gained the ability to see things from a regional perspective, without missing the big picture. I’ve been on both sides of the coin, working with employees at local sites and with executives at company headquarters. This will help me not only improve North American operations, but also support our company’s overall strategy.” As an experienced leader, Natri prioritizes building a workplace based on trust, transparency, and open communication. He is a major proponent of employee development and will ensure Cimcorp supports its staff in exploring ongoing educational and career opportunities. Natri said, “I believe great leadership is based on transparency, mutual trust, and setting clear targets. I want to create an open environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas. Working as a team, we can create synergies and deliver greater value than what we could achieve alone. My role in it all is to motivate employees to focus on the right goals, ensuring that they succeed as individuals and that we succeed as a company.”
Welch backs the Blue with winning bid
Felling Trailers, Inc. conducted its twelfth annual online auction of an FT-3 drop deck utility trailer to benefit a non-profit organization: Backing the Blue Line. A winning bid of $6,650.00 won the auction that ended the evening of Patriots Day, Sept. 11th. The bid winner is a follower and dedicated supporter of the annual Trailer for a Cause auctions, Joe Welch of Caledonia, MN. Joe, a construction and farm equipment dealer, has followed Felling Trailers’ Trailer for a Cause auctions for several years and was the bid winner in the 2022 auction that benefitted Eagle’s Healing Nest. “I have followed the Trailer for a Cause auctions for about five years. The organizations the auctions benefit are very good ones. The Felling employees have chosen very good causes to support,” said Joe. “Being able to help with this support is very rewarding for me. We need these guys (law enforcement) out there; anyone that has to go to work with a bulletproof vest needs our support and respect.” A few weeks after the auction closed, arrangements were made for Joe to come and pick up his new trailer. It will be used a bit for business and pleasure. “I am very appreciative of the work law enforcement does for us, the sacrifices they make, and the fact that they never know what the next call will bring,” said Welch. The 2024 Trailer for a Cause FT-3 utility trailer was painted a custom grey with a blue line and the Backing the Blue Line emblem. Suppliers of Felling Trailers had joined in to support Backing the Blue Line by sponsoring the construction of the trailer, from lighting to tires to decking. The 2024 Trailer for a Cause sponsors are Trans-Texas, PPG, Dexter, Sealco, Peterson, Industrial Wood (Blackwood), Demco, and Pacific Rim. Felling Trailers wants to help generate awareness about the valuable work that Backing the Blue Line does for officers and their families through their various programs and support services. The online auction ran for nine days, from Monday, Sept. 2nd at noon CST through Wednesday, Sept. 11th at noon CST, ending with Joe’s winning bid. One hundred percent of the $6,650 benefited Backing the Blue Line! Two weeks after Joe had picked up the 2024 Trailer for a Cause, Backing the Blue Lines’ Gretchen Gifford, VP/Executive Board of Directors, accompanied by her husband, Officer Gifford, and son, made the trip to Sauk Centre to accept the donation check. The Giffords met with Felling Trailers’ Owners Brenda Jennissen and Bonnie Radjenovich to present them with the check for $6,650. “There are a lot of great organizations out there. It is truly humbling to be the recipient of your fundraiser this year,” said Gretchen. “It’s been a tough couple of years for the law enforcement community; we’ve had five fallen officers in the last thirteen months. We (Backing the Blue Line) provided blue memorial roses that had been requested for the funeral of an officer who died in the line of duty this past weekend.” “Speaking with a Minnesota National Guardsman and State Law Enforcement officer’s widow, it was evident the significant support Backing the Blue Line provided her and their son. She said BtBL has been there since day one and continues to provide emotional support, cards on holidays, and gifts for their son just to show they care,” said Brenda Jennissen, Felling Trailers CEO/President. “It’s nice to be remembered. We are blessed and fortunate to be able to support them meaningfully. We are there for all the moments we can be, providing injury baskets when officers are hurt in the line of duty and sending cards on holidays and important dates. We celebrate the good moments too, onesies for members with new babies and events that allow for the meeting and socializing among wives who live and understand our lives, as well as encourage continued relationships and friendships,” said Gifford.
Brian Short honored with PTDA Warren Pike Award
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) has named Brian Short the 33rd recipient of its Warren Pike Award for lifetime achievement in the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry. The award was bestowed upon Short during the PTDA 2024 Industry Summit on October 25 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Established in 1984, the Warren Pike Award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding, continuous, long-term support of PTDA and the PT/MC industry and is only presented when an individual’s achievements merit this prestigious recognition. Warren Pike Award recipients are selected by the PTDA Board of Directors. Revered as an industry expert, Short began his 40-plus-year career with Bruening Bearing and advanced through a number of roles before retiring from Pfannenberg USA. As an advocate for the industry, he shared his knowledge as a member of several PTDA committees and served as PTDA Foundation President in 2018 and 2019. “I served on committees with so many great people, many of whom are Warren Pike Award winners…” shared Short in his acceptance remarks. “We developed many tools to help distributors be more efficient and effective, and the strong relationships I built helped me throughout the balance of my career. You could say that PTDA helped me broaden my horizons and be lucky enough to actively participate in elevating excellence.”
AAR reports Rail Traffic for the week ending November 02, 2024
Today, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending November 2, 2024. This week’s total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 516,743 carloads and intermodal units, up 6.6 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending November 2 were 228,635, up 1.9 percent from the same week in 2023, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 288,108 containers and trailers, up 10.7 percent from 2023. Nine of the ten carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2023. They included chemicals, up 2,326 carloads, to 32,425; grain, up 2,229 carloads, to 23,656; and nonmetallic minerals, up 1,911 carloads, to 33,124. One commodity group posted a decrease compared with the same week in 2023: coal, down 7,949 carloads to 57,314. For the first 44 weeks of 2024, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 9,600,065 carloads, down 3.0 percent from the same point last year, and 11,621,688 intermodal units, up 9.0 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 44 weeks of 2024 was 21,221,753 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 3.2 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending November 2, 2024, on nine reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 340,572 carloads, up 1.8 percent compared with the same week last year, and 371,537 intermodal units, up 9.9 percent compared to the previous year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 712,109 carloads and intermodal units, up 5.9 percent. North American rail volume for the first 44 weeks of 2024 was 29,507,054 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.4 percent compared with 2023. Canadian railroads reported 96,792 carloads for the week, down 0.8 percent, and 70,113 intermodal units, up 4.2 percent compared with the same week in 2023. For the first 44 weeks of 2024, Canadian railroads reported a cumulative rail traffic volume of 7,013,025 carloads, containers, and trailers, up 0.0 percent. Mexican railroads reported 15,145 carloads for the week, up 20.3 percent compared to last year, and 13,316 intermodal units, up 27.2 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 44 weeks of 2024 was 1,272,276 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 3.0 percent from the same point last year. To view the weekly rail traffic charts, click here.
Women In Trucking Association announces its November 2024 Member of the Month
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Dana Tarver as its November 2024 Member of the Month. Tarver is a fuel hauler for Kenan Advantage Group (KAG), a specialized transportation and logistics provider across a range of diversified end markets in the United States and Canada. In 1995, driven by tenacity and a willingness to embrace challenges head-on, Tarver began her career in the trucking industry at the age of 25. Today, she consistently demonstrates thoroughness and punctuality, adheres to all company policies and is guided by her personal motto – do it right the first time. Tarver serves as an exemplary illustration of the valuable contributions a successful driver can make, as her pride in herself, her role, and her company shines through her daily trips. With a passion for safety, Tarver meticulously maintains her equipment, takes all necessary precautions, and values mentoring others on the subject. She takes great pride in fellow professional drivers calling her for advice and guidance on the road. Through trucking, Tarver has carved out a fulfilling career that provides job security and allows her to enjoy time with family and friends without stress or exhaustion, knowing she is well taken care of. She encourages other women not to be intimidated by the male-populated industry and to recognize the opportunities for growth and success available within it. Tarver is a champion for other women navigating a career path in the trucking industry, saying, “Never be intimidated to do this job. What’s for you will be for you if you always put safety first. When in doubt, stop and ask somebody!”
AAR Reports Rail Traffic for the week ending October 26, 2024
Today, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending October 26, 2024. This week’s total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 519,415 carloads and intermodal units, up 4.2 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending October 26 were 228,829, up 0.9 percent from the same week in 2023, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 290,586 containers and trailers, up 6.9 percent from 2023. Seven of the ten carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2023. They included motor vehicles and parts, up 2,408 carloads, to 16,444; chemicals, up 1,506 carloads, to 32,838; and farm products excl. grain, and food, up 1,308 carloads, to 18,091. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2023 were coal, down 3,132 carloads, to 59,981; metallic ores and metals, down 2,341 carloads, to 18,085; and nonmetallic minerals, down 332 carloads, to 32,084. For the first 43 weeks of 2024, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 9,371,430 carloads, down 3.2 percent from the same point last year, and 11,333,580 intermodal units, up 8.9 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 43 weeks of 2024 was 20,705,010 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 3.1 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending October 26, 2024, on nine reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 340,775 carloads, up 0.2 percent compared with the same week last year, and 376,589 intermodal units, up 6.0 percent compared to the previous year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 717,364 carloads and intermodal units, up 3.1 percent. North American rail volume for the first 43 weeks of 2024 was 28,794,945 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.3 percent compared with 2023. Canadian railroads reported 97,007 carloads for the week, up 0.7 percent, and 71,773 intermodal units, up 2.0 percent compared with the same week in 2023. For the first 43 weeks of 2024, Canadian railroads reported a cumulative rail traffic volume of 6,846,120 carloads, containers, and trailers, down 0.0 percent. Mexican railroads reported 14,939 carloads for the week, down 12.1 percent compared to last year, and 14,230 intermodal units, up 8.0 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 43 weeks of 2024 was 1,243,815 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 2.6 percent from last year.
Women In Trucking Association names 2024 Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation
Redefining the Road magazine, the official magazine of the Women In Trucking Association (WIT), announced today the recipients of the 2024 “Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation.” The magazine created the award in 2018 to support an element of WIT’s mission: to promote the accomplishments of companies that are focused on the employment of women in the trucking industry, according to Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of WIT. There are a number of characteristics that distinguish the companies recognized on this list, according to Brian Everett, publisher of Redefining the Road. These characteristics include corporate cultures that foster gender diversity; competitive compensation and benefits; flexible hours and work requirements; professional development opportunities; and career advancement opportunities. Qualified companies also must meet minimum requirements of what they report through the WIT Index, the industry barometer that benchmarks and measures the percentage of women who make up critical roles in transportation. The list includes a diverse range of trucking company types, including motor carriers, third-party logistics companies, and original equipment manufacturers. These companies will be recognized at the upcoming WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo, which will be held Nov. 10-13 in Dallas, Texas. International Motors, formerly Navistar, is the sponsor of this year’s program. “Companies named to this prestigious list must demonstrate corporate attributes that are essential to any successful enterprise committed to gender diversity as part of their corporate strategy,” said Everett. “Qualifying companies to this list involves a two-step process. First, nominations by companies are carefully reviewed to ensure they meet a minimum threshold of qualifications. Then, the final ballot of companies is voted on by individuals in the industry. This is the seventh year of this prestigious recognition program, and it garnered a record number of more than 31,000 votes to identify and validate the final companies named to the list.” Companies generating the largest number of votes are named to the “Elite 30” of the 2024 Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation. They are Air Products, ArcBest, Averitt, Cummins Inc., Daimler Truck North America, Epes Transport System, Estes Express Lines, FedEx, Great Dane, International Motors, J.B. Hunt Transport, Kenan Advantage Group, Landstar System, Old Dominion Freight Line, Penske Transportation Solutions, Peterbilt Motors Co., Premier Truck Group, Quality Carriers, Roehl Transport, RXO, Ryder System, Schneider, Sysco, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, TravelCenters of America, UPS, Volvo Group North America, Walmart, WM, and XPO. Companies named to the overall 2024 Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation list are 4Refuel, ADM Trucking, Aim Transportation Solutions, American Expediting Logistics, America’s Service Line, Ancora Training, Arrive Logistics, Arrow Truck Sales, Aurora Parts, Bay & Bay Transportation, Bennett Family of Companies, Bob’s Discount Furniture, Boyle Transportation, Brenny Transportation, Bridgestone Americas, Cargomatic, Carter Express, Centerline Drivers, Certified Express, CJ Logistics America, Clean Harbors, ContainerPort Group, Conversion Interactive Agency, Covenant Logistics Group, CrossCountry Freight Solutions, Crowley, Day & Ross, Dot Transportation, Dupré Logistics, Dynacraft (a PACCAR Company), Echo Global Logistics, Excargo Services, FStaff, Garner Trucking, Giltner Logistics, GLT Logistics, Great West Casualty Company, Halvor Lines, Highway Transport Logistics, Interstate Billing Service, ISAAC Instruments, J.J. Keller & Associates, JoyRide Logistics, JX Truck Center, Kenworth Truck Co., Koch Companies, Leonard’s Express, LGT Transport, Marathon Petroleum Co., May Trucking Co., McLeod Software, Michelin North America, MOTOR Information Systems, Musket Transport, National Carriers, National Shunt Service, New West Truck Centres, NFI Industries, OOIDA, Orica – USA, PACCAR Inc., PACCAR Leasing Co., PACCAR Parts, Palmer Trucks, Pennsy Supply, PepsiCo Foods North America, Polaris Transportation Group, Purolator, RE Garrison Trucking, Red Classic, Reliance Partners, Rihm Family Companies, Saia LTL Freight, Savage, Southeastern Freight Lines, Southwest International Trucks, Standard Logistics, Stericycle, Suburban Propane, Sun State International, Sunset Transportation, SWTO, TA Dedicated, The Erb Group, The Evans Network of Companies, The Pete Store, Thomas E. Keller Trucking, Total Transportation of MS, TRAC Intermodal, TRAFFIX, Trimac, Tri-National, Trinity Logistics, Triumph Financial, Truckstop, Tucker Freight Lines, Tyler Technologies, U.S. Xpress, Uber Freight, USAL, Venture Logistics, Werner Enterprises, Wilson Logistics, and Zonar Systems
Inaugural jobs report shows how industry careers deliver for America’s Railroaders
Today, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) released the “Rail Jobs Report: The Value and Opportunities in Railroading,” which provides a comprehensive review of the benefits and opportunities associated with freight rail careers. Featuring various employee testimonials, the report spotlights railroaders throughout the industry with stories of advancement, family legacy, and career impact. “Railroaders are the lifeblood that powers our industry and supports every facet of the economy,” said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “Rail work is not only a source of pride; it is a pathway to stability, growth, and opportunity that often spans generations. Combining data and employee testimonials, this report demonstrates the value of a railroading job – and the reasons why so many railroaders turn these jobs into careers.” The jobs report features statistics that distinguish freight rail jobs from those across other industries, highlighting railroading’s strong wages, world-class benefits, and hundreds of career paths and advancement opportunities: The median tenure of railroad employees is 13 years (compared to 3.9 years for other private sector workers). The average Class I railroad employee’s annual pay and benefits package is valued from $135,000 to almost $190,000. Effective Jan. 1, 2025, unionized freight rail employees’ monthly health care premiums will decrease by more than 10%, from $309.21 to $277.54 (compared to the national average monthly premium of more than $500 for employer-provided family coverage). Career railroaders (those 60+ who have served at least 30 years) receive more than two times as much retirement income as the average Social Security recipient. Veterans account for about 1 in 6 rail employees. Railroading isn’t just a job; it’s one of the best careers in industrial America. Learn more about the industry’s commitment to competitive compensation, robust benefits, and a strong focus on safety and professional development in the “Rail Jobs Report: The Value and Opportunities in Railroading.”
Episode 532: Tech-Driven logistics with Transfix
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, we dive into tech-driven logistics with Jonathan Salama, co-founder and CEO of Transfix. Jonathan shares the journey of Transfix, including their recent shift to focus solely on technology. We explore technology’s key role in optimizing freight operations as Transfix evolves from a brokerage to a tech-driven solutions provider. The conversation covers the importance of automation, predictive data models, and how Transfix aims to reshape the future of logistics. From Brokerage to Tech-First: The Evolution of Transfix Transfix started as a brokerage to automate various freight processes. Early on, the company created tools to simplify tasks like shipment tracking and delivery scheduling. Jonathan explains, “We wanted to automate every step… anything that could be automated, we did.” This focus on automation contributed to the company’s growth and eventually led Transfix to sell its brokerage to NFI, redirecting efforts solely to technology. Today, Transfix’s tech platform, refined over the years, serves as its core product. With data-driven tools, the company aims to enhance workflows for both shippers and carriers. “The real value was the tech… that’s where we’re focusing all our efforts now,” Jonathan notes. Tech Advancements Driving Industry-Wide Transformation The logistics industry has seen a surge in tech adoption, but as Jonathan pointed out, it wasn’t always this way. “There was almost no conversation about technology in logistics back then,” he remarked, recalling the early days of Transfix. Tools like data science models and automation platforms are standard, but there’s still room for improvement. Transfix’s platform goes beyond basic tracking—it helps companies optimize their freight strategies in real-time. Jonathan highlighted how they used data to help shippers, stating, “We can predict when your truck will hit detention… so you can adjust and avoid unnecessary costs.” With this level of predictive capability, Transfix empowers companies to make better decisions, streamline operations, and reduce inefficiencies across the supply chain. What the Future Holds for Logistics Tech As logistics evolves, Jonathan sees even more room for technological innovation. From automated trucks to AI-driven models, the future is full of possibilities. “The next decade is going to be completely different… we’re just scratching the surface of what tech can do,” he said. Transfix’s forward-thinking approach positions them at the forefront of these innovations. Their current focus includes refining their machine learning algorithms to provide even more accurate freight rate predictions and expanding their suite of automation tools. Once fragmented and lagging in tech adoption, the industry is embracing digital transformation’s power—a trend Jonathan is confident will continue to accelerate. Key Takeaways Transfix shifted from a brokerage to focus solely on technology, selling its brokerage business to NFI. Their platform automates key freight processes, offering tools for predictive cost models and automated scheduling. Tech adoption in logistics is growing, but Transfix is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with data and automation. Jonathan Salama envisions a future where technology plays an even more significant role in the logistics industry, with automated trucks and AI models leading the way. The New Warehouse Podcast Episode 532: Tech-Driven logistics with Transfix
Port of Long Beach awarded $2.6 Million Security Grant
The Port of Long Beach has been awarded more than $2.6 million by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency to protect critical infrastructure and ensure the safe movement of trade at the nation’s second-busiest seaport. As the nation’s third-largest recipient of the agency’s Port Security Grant Program, the Port of Long Beach will invest the funding into strengthening cybersecurity, improving drone detection capabilities, and upgrading network infrastructure that supports the efficient flow of cargo. The Department of Homeland Security also awarded $4.2 million to six terminals within the Port of Long Beach, the Long Beach Police Department’s Port Police Division, and the Long Beach Fire Department. “These investments are vital in safeguarding our port’s operations and ensuring the secure movement of trade,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “This grant underscores our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency at one of the nation’s busiest seaports.” “We thank the Department of Homeland Security for driving innovative security practices and heightening the Port’s ability to protect the people and the infrastructure responsible for moving cargo valued at more than $200 billion annually,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “This grant will bolster the Port’s existing security systems and enhance the resiliency of our operations in the event of an emergency.” “This grant will elevate our ability to protect the harbor with state-of-the-art technology and secure the livelihoods of more than 2.6 million people whose jobs depend on Port operations,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal. “We are grateful for this federal funding to strengthen this critical gateway for trans-Pacific trade.” “The Port of Long Beach is essential to our economy, serving as one of the country’s busiest hubs for trade and commerce,” said Sen. Alex Padilla. “This crucial investment in port security from FEMA will strengthen our port infrastructure, while protecting jobs and safeguarding our supply chains and national security.” “We’re very excited the Port of Long Beach was able to secure such critical new funding through the Port Security Grant Program, which will improve our port’s security and protect our communities,” said Rep. Robert Garcia. “As the top economic driver in our community, I will always make sure our Port has the necessary resources to be safe, sustainable, and green, with the most up-to-date technology. I was proud to advocate for the funding of this program in Congress, and I want to thank FEMA for making this grant money available in order to improve our port-wide risk management activities.”
Port of Long Beach honored for Small Business Support
The Port of Long Beach has been recognized for supporting small businesses by connecting them to port-related construction and professional services contracts. The Port received the “Champion of Small Business” award during a recent awards banquet hosted by the Los Angeles County chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies of California, an organization of engineering and land surveying firms. “Our engagements with the vendor community allow us to open the lines of communication with small businesses and reduce barriers for their participation in Port business,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We thank the ACEC Los Angeles County chapter for this recognition.” “Our Small Business Enterprise Program creates significant economic opportunities by opening the door to a diverse set of local contractors and vendors,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal. “The SBE’s quarterly meetings and focus groups provide us with the feedback that allows us to create a more level playing field for small businesses.” In the 2023 fiscal year, 41.8% of Port funds spent on eligible contracts through the Port’s Small Business Enterprise Program went to purchase needed services and materials from companies defined as “small business enterprises” and “very small business enterprises,” exceeding the Port’s goal of 27%.
AAR reports Rail Traffic for the week ending October 19, 2024
Today, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending October 19, 2024. This week’s total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 510,730 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.1 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending October 19 were 223,278, down 4.6 percent from the same week in 2023, while the U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 287,452 containers and trailers, up 6.0 percent from 2023. Five of the ten carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2023. They included grain, up 3,052 carloads, to 23,372; miscellaneous carloads, up 1,015 carloads, to 9,992; and farm products excl. grain, and food, up 898 carloads to 18,082. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2023 included coal, down 8,261 carloads, to 58,350; nonmetallic minerals, down 3,771 carloads, to 30,281; and metallic ores and metals, down 3,551 carloads, to 18,884. For the first 42 weeks of 2024, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 9,142,601 carloads, down 3.3 percent from last year, and 11,042,994 intermodal units, up 9.0 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 42 weeks of 2024 was 20,185,595 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 3.1 percent compared to the previous year. North American rail volume for the week ending October 19, 2024, on nine reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 333,360 carloads, down 4.4 percent compared with the same week last year, and 368,573 intermodal units, up 3.1 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 701,933 carloads and intermodal units, down 0.6 percent. North American rail volume for the first 42 weeks of 2024 was 28,077,581 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.3 percent compared with 2023. Canadian railroads reported 95,182 carloads for the week, down 2.1 percent, and 67,489 intermodal units, down 7.1 percent compared with the same week in 2023. For the first 42 weeks of 2024, Canadian railroads reported a cumulative rail traffic volume of 6,677,340 carloads, containers, and trailers, down 0.0 percent. Mexican railroads reported 14,900 carloads for the week, down 13.8 percent compared to last year, and 13,632 intermodal units, down 1.5 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 42 weeks of 2024 was 1,214,646 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 2.7 percent from last year. To view the U.S. Rail Traffic charts, click here.
Women In Trucking Association releases 2024-25 WIT Index Data
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) recently released the findings of its 2024-25 WIT Index. This unique research is the industry’s barometer to benchmark and measure the percentage of women who hold critical roles in transportation. These roles include corporate management (C-Suite), those who serve on boards of directors, management and supervisory roles, and functional roles such as operations, technicians, HR/talent management, safety, and professional drivers. From August 2023 through April 2024, WIT conducted a survey of transportation organizations of all sizes to gather percentages of women in their workforce. The respondents were asked to report data that included demographics, the status of the company’s diversity and inclusion policy, and percentages of females in various roles within the company. Approximately 350 respondents reported their organizations’ gender diversity statistics in the WIT Index (2024-25) survey. Most (51.5%) represent for-hire motor carriers or companies with private fleets as part of the organization’s operations. Of those respondents representing organizations with fleet assets, 38% are for-hire motor carriers of various types (full truckload, less-than-truckload, refrigerated, flatbed, expedited, and liquid), and 13.5% are manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and other company types with private fleets. Another 13.5% of respondents are intermediary companies, including third-party logistics companies, truck brokers, and intermodal marketing companies (IMCs). The 2024-25 WIT Index survey found many women in influential leadership roles. Approximately 28% of those in C-Suite/executive positions are women, 34.5% of those in supervisory leadership roles are women, and 29.5% of those who serve on boards of directors are women. A significant percentage of women also hold roles in these functions: 74.5% in human resources/talent management, 38.5% in dispatcher roles, and 38.5% in safety. However, only 4% of truck diesel technicians are women. It has been a common assumption for years that the size of companies with for-hire or private fleets correlates to the percentage of professional truck drivers who are women. For the first time, the 2024-25 WIT Index reported a percentage of female professional truck drivers based on company workforce size. According to this year’s WIT Index, micro/small companies with less than 500 employees report that 12.5% of their professional driver population holding CDLs are women. Large/medium enterprises with 500 to 4,999 employees report that approximately 10.5% of their professional driver workforce holding CDLs are women. Giant/major enterprises with more than 5,000 employees report that approximately 7% of their truck driver population who hold CDLs are women. Notably, these percentages reflect professional truck drivers who hold CDLs and are driving medium- to heavy-duty commercial trucks, not last-mile or delivery vans or other vehicles that are not heavy-duty trucks. Percentages of company types Percentages of C-Suite/executives Percentages of supervisory leadership Percentages of boards of directors Percentages of HR/talent management Percentages of dispatchers Percentages of safety professionals Percentages of technicians Percentages of female professional drivers
U.S. Rail Traffic Report for the week ending October 12, 2024
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending October 12, 2024. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 505,033 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.6 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending October 12 were 222,003 carloads, down 1.3 percent compared with the same week in 2023, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 283,030 containers and trailers, up 5.9 percent compared to 2023. Seven of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2023. They included grain, up 1,346 carloads, to 23,523; metallic ores and metals, up 1,164 carloads, to 19,277; and farm products excl. grain, and food, up 891 carloads, to 17,894. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2023 were coal, down 3,412 carloads, to 58,233; nonmetallic minerals, down 2,473 carloads, to 30,465; and motor vehicles and parts, down 1,301 carloads, to 14,412. For the first 41 weeks of 2024, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 8,919,323 carloads, down 3.2 percent from the same point last year; and 10,755,542 intermodal units, up 9.1 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 41 weeks of 2024 was 19,674,865 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 3.1 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending October 12, 2024, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 332,200 carloads, down 1.2 percent compared with the same week last year, and 364,671 intermodal units, up 4.5 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 696,871 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.7 percent. North American rail volume for the first 41 weeks of 2024 was 27,375,648 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.4 percent compared with 2023. Canadian railroads reported 98,096 carloads for the week, up 3.5 percent, and 70,155 intermodal units, up 1.6 percent compared with the same week in 2023. For the first 41 weeks of 2024, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 6,514,669 carloads, containers and trailers, up 0.1 percent. Mexican railroads reported 12,101 carloads for the week, down 27.2 percent compared with the same week last year, and 11,486 intermodal units, down 9.2 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 41 weeks of 2024 was 1,186,114 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 3.0 percent from the same point last year.
Port of Long Beach sees strongest September on record
Demand for holiday-related goods nudged the Port of Long Beach to its most active September and busiest quarter on record. Shippers continued to move goods ahead of a labor contract deadline for seaports on the East and Gulf coasts, which resulted in a three-day strike at the start of October. Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 829,499 twenty-foot equivalent units last month, up just 70 TEUs from the previous record set in September 2023. September also marked the Port’s fourth consecutive monthly year-over-year cargo increase. Imports increased 2% to 416,999 TEUs, exports declined 12.8% to 88,289 TEUs, and empty containers moving through the Port rose 1.5% to 324,211 TEUs. “We have plenty of room across our terminals as the peak shipping season drives a record amount of cargo through this critical gateway for trans-Pacific trade,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We are anticipating continued growth through the rest of the year as retailers stock the shelves for the winter holidays.” “Our ability to work with industry and workforce partners allows us to move large volumes of cargo reliably, quickly, and sustainably,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal. “Additionally, we continue to deliver strong customer service to meet the needs of consumers and the national supply chain.” The Port moved 6,917,373 TEUs during the first nine months of 2024, up 18.8% from last year. It was also the Port’s busiest quarter overall, with 2,625,747 TEUs moved between July 1 and Sept. 30, breaking the previous record set during the second quarter of 2022 by 78,628 TEUs. For complete cargo numbers, visit polb.com/statistics.
Container market on the edge: Election uncertainty and global volatility to persist well into 2025
As we enter October 2024, the U.S. container trading market is experiencing heightened volatility due to several influencing factors. The recent strikes at East Coast ports, which began on October 1 and have since concluded, have left a lasting impact on supply chains while the focus shifts to the U.S. elections scheduled for November 5. ” The recent strikes may have ended, but the storm is far from over. With unresolved issues surrounding automation, we are on the brink of another disruption come January 2025.,” shared Christian Roeloffs, cofounder and CEO of Container xChange. Looking ahead, Roeloffs highlighted potential future challenges: “Given the unresolved issues around automation, I believe there are strong chances of another disruption in January. The unions strongly oppose any form of automation, and this unresolved matter raises the likelihood of another strike in January.” Roeloffs urged U.S. container traders to prepare: “As we approach the peak season and the Chinese New Year, expect another wave of frontloading as importers seek to secure cargo ahead of potential disruptions. Container traders should begin contingency planning now- —this includes securing inventory, diversifying supplier networks, and considering alternative shipping routes to mitigate delays. Proactive steps like these will be crucial for navigating the challenges anticipated in January.” Conversely, China is facing significant domestic challenges, with weak consumer spending and slowing income growth. While exports have shown resilience, broader economic concerns could impact supply chains, including a slowdown in domestic consumption and property investment. Reduced demand for goods within China, coupled with U.S. retailers and wholesalers holding considerable inventory, is creating a more challenging environment for container trading and leasing companies, as lower shipping volumes and excess container capacity put pressure on both demand and leasing rates. The Middle East is contributing to increased volatility in global container shipping, particularly in October 2024. Tensions have escalated between Israel and Iran, with Iran launching missiles at Israel and Hezbollah carrying out rocket attacks from Lebanon. These developments continue to disrupt operations in the Red Sea, where Houthi rebels are actively targeting vessels, intensifying shipping capacity strains with no immediate resolution in view. xCPSI Rises: Increased Expectations for Container Price hikes The Container Price Sentiment Index (xCPSI) for September and October indicates a notable rise in the number of supply chain professionals globally anticipating an increase in container prices. This expectation is driven by limited supply and steady demand. Country-level findings No impact of U.S. East Coast strikes on average container prices In September, average container prices in the U.S. remained relatively stable. However, on a global scale, Asia and Europe experienced the most significant price hikes, while the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent (ISC) saw a 6% decline. An interesting development is that the Middle East experienced a 7% price surge in early October, indicating market volatility in that region. In China, average prices have consistently decreased, reflecting diminished factory output and reduced U.S. and European exports. Additionally, supply is still coming offline from container factories, contributing to the overall price decline. Region-wise average price development in September 2024 Currently, average container prices are highest in China, followed by the U.S. and then Europe. Prices have consistently fallen in both China and the U.S. while remaining relatively stable in Europe at a considerably lower level. What lies ahead for container traders in the U.S.? Key Factors influencing Q4 (Oct-Dec) 2024 container prices Impact of strikes and elections in November: Although the strikes have concluded, the possibility of renewed labor disputes in January 2025 is a concern. Additionally, the upcoming U.S. elections introduce uncertainty, as trade policies could shift significantly depending on the outcome. Demand-Supply Dynamics: In the short term, demand for U.S. containers appears stable. However, in the mid-to-long term, retailers and wholesalers are managing considerable inventory levels, which diminishes the need for significant imports unless demand significantly bounces. The extent of inventory refilling required for the next cycle—aligned with the Chinese New Year—will primarily depend on the performance of peak season demand in the U.S. Cyclic Nature of Demand in Q4: Traditionally, Q4 sees increased container demand due to the holiday season. While some stabilization in demand is anticipated as retailers work through their inventories, the full effects of peak season demand will likely become evident only in early 2025. Much will depend on how ongoing inventory adjustments unfold. Roeloffs stated, “U.S. retailers are managing significant inventory levels, but the real challenge lies ahead. As we enter the holiday season, the dynamics between demand and supply will shift dramatically, revealing whether these inventories can maintain a healthy market or indicate deeper issues.” Customer Insights Conversations with U.S. container traders reveal cautious optimism regarding improving market conditions should Trump win the elections, potentially leading to policy changes that favor trade growth. Conversely, many container traders express concerns about ongoing global trade uncertainties and the residual effects of labor disputes, particularly as negotiations with the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) may resume in January 2025. Will Frontloading Persist into Q4’24? As we near the end of 2024, the U.S. container trading market is characterized by a blend of uncertainties, from post-labor strike adjustments to peak season, hurricane threats, and upcoming elections. While supply remains tight, demand may experience significant fluctuations based on inventory levels, trade policies, and broader economic indicators. Traders and industry stakeholders should remain alert, especially with January 2025 negotiations on the horizon, reintroducing discussions about automation and future labor relations. “With the Chinese New Year as the next key shipping season and fears of another strike looming, we’re entering a critical phase for importers. The rush to secure cargo now could shape the market well into 2025. How we navigate this will define our resilience as an industry.” Concluded Roeloffs. 2025 Outlook Looking ahead to 2025, the U.S. container market will likely be shaped by the resolution of labor disputes and the broader geopolitical landscape. The outcome of the U.S. election will significantly influence trade and domestic fiscal policy, subsequently affecting container prices. The topic of automation will remain prominent,
AAR reports Rail Traffic for the week ending October 05, 2024
Today, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending October 5, 2024. This week’s total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 486,187 carloads and intermodal units, down 2.5 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending October 5 were 225,280, down 3.5 percent from the same week in 2023, while the U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 260,907 containers and trailers, down 1.7 percent from 2023. Four of the ten carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2023. They included farm products excl. grain, and food, up 1,553 carloads, to 18,019; chemicals, up 1,140 carloads, to 31,059; and metallic ores and metals, up 828 carloads, to 20,908. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2023 included coal, down 5,458 carloads, to 61,304; nonmetallic minerals, down 3,937 carloads, to 29,645; and grain, down 1,300 carloads, to 21,933. For the first 40 weeks of 2024, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 8,697,320 carloads, down 3.3 percent from the same point last year, and 10,472,512 intermodal units, up 9.1 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 40 weeks of 2024 was 19,169,832 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 3.1 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending October 5, 2024, on nine reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 331,587 carloads, down 4.5 percent compared with the same week last year, and 341,107 intermodal units, down 3.0 percent compared with the previous year. Total weekly rail traffic in North America was 672,694 carloads and intermodal units, down 3.7 percent. North American rail volume for the first 40 weeks of 2024 was 26,678,777 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.4 percent compared with 2023. Canadian railroads reported 94,571 carloads for the week, down 2.0 percent, and 68,805 intermodal units, down 4.7 percent compared with the same week in 2023. For the first 40 weeks of 2024, Canadian railroads reported a cumulative rail traffic volume of 6,346,418 carloads, containers, and trailers, down 0.0 percent. Mexican railroads reported 11,736 carloads for the week, down 31.7 percent compared to last year, and 11,395 intermodal units, down 19.3 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 40 weeks of 2024 was 1,162,527 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 3.6 percent from last year. To view the weekly rail charts, click here.
ASSP revises key standard to elevate motor vehicle safety
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has revised a national voluntary consensus standard that defines core elements of a fleet safety program to help organizations protect workers on the road. There are 3.5 million fleets in North America, and 32 million commercial vehicles are used. ANSI/ASSP Z15.1-2024 Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Operations outlines industry best practices for the safe management and use of motor vehicles owned or operated by an organization. The standard provides guidance to fleet managers and safety professionals on creating written programs and policies, enhancing safety through speed management and driver training, addressing impaired and distracted driving, implementing routine vehicle inspections and maintenance, and conducting proper incident reporting. “This safety standard is significant because motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work-related fatalities,” said ASSP President Pam Walaski, CSP, FASSP. “These tragic incidents are avoidable. Employers need expert guidance on identifying and managing risks their workers face on the road.” The revised standard strengthens incident reporting and analysis requirements and includes modifications that address today’s vehicles, technologies, and operating environments. “The best way to manage workplace hazards and keep workers safe is to incorporate a structured, proactive approach that assesses risks, identifies system gaps, and implements best practices,” Walaski said. Organizations that make fleet safety a core value also help reduce the economic and reputational costs of crashes involving their workers. That may include medical care, vehicle repair, liability, lost productivity, environmental impacts, and damage to the company’s reputation. The Z15.1 subcommittee that revised the standard comprised 11 safety and health experts from insurance, academia, government, and other fields. The inclusive process took 2½ years. Voluntary consensus standards provide the latest expert guidance and fill gaps where federal standards don’t exist. Companies rely on them to drive improvement, injury prevention, and sustainability. Government regulations are slow to change and often outdated, so federal compliance is insufficient to protect workers. ASSP leads the development of voluntary consensus standards for the workplace. In its last fiscal year, ASSP created, reaffirmed, or revised 15 standards, technical reports, and guidance documents, engaging 1,400 safety experts representing 500 organizations. The Society also distributed more than 14,000 copies of standards. To obtain Z15.1-2024 or other workplace safety standards, visit the online ASSP Store.
AAR reports Rail Traffic for the week ending September 28, 2024
Today, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending September 28, 2024. This week’s total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 507,537 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.6 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending September 28 were 227,046, down 3.5 percent from the same week in 2023, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 280,491 containers and trailers, up 6.2 percent from 2023. Four of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2023. They included grain, up 2,435 carloads, to 20,941; motor vehicles and parts, up 732 carloads, to 16,705; and petroleum and petroleum products, up 617 carloads, to 10,782. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2023 included coal, down 6,955 carloads, to 60,885; nonmetallic minerals, down 3,168 carloads, to 30,583; and metallic ores and metals, down 1,863 carloads, to 21,213. For the first 39 weeks of 2024, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 8,472,040 carloads, down 3.3 percent from the same point last year, and 10,211,605 intermodal units, up 9.5 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 39 weeks of 2024 was 18,683,645 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 3.3 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending September 28, 2024, on nine reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 338,087 carloads, down 3.6 percent compared with the same week last year, and 362,754 intermodal units, up 4.2 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 700,841 carloads and intermodal units, up 0.3 percent. North American rail volume for the first 39 weeks of 2024 was 25,999,318 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.5 percent compared with 2023. Canadian railroads reported 96,658 carloads for the week, down 1.6 percent, and 70,390 intermodal units, down 0.3 percent compared with the same week in 2023. For the first 39 weeks of 2024, Canadian railroads reported a cumulative rail traffic volume of 6,183,042 carloads, containers, and trailers, up 0.1 percent. Mexican railroads reported 14,383 carloads for the week, down 17.0 percent compared with the same week last year, and 11,873 intermodal units, down 11.4 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 39 weeks of 2024 was 1,132,631 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 3.9 percent from the same point last year. To view the U.S. Rail Charts, click here.