China Has Become an Even Bigger US Import Source Post-COVID

Politically, the U.S. and China are barely on speaking terms. Trade-wise, they’re still very much in bed together. Cargo from China is accounting for an even greater share of inbound container volumes than before the coronavirus crisis, according to new customs data.

Rail Traffic Still Recovering

Total carloads for the week ended June 6 were 192,494 carloads, down 22% compared with the same week in 2019, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 240,677 containers and trailers, down 9.6% compared to 2019.

Trans-Pacific Rates Surge as Volume Rebounds

China flows have helped blunt volume fallout along the U.S. West Coast. In fact, the Port of Long Beach disclosed on June 9 that it had handled 312,590 loaded inbound twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers in May, up 7.6% year-on-year and up 23.3% from April.

There May Be No New "Normal"

In response to Jim Blaze’s interesting "Railroad Mega-mergers" article from earlier this week, I’m not sure that the historical perspective will apply in a developing "new normal" business economy in the United States. I believe COVID-19 impacts will massively change behaviors. Consumer spending will be driven more toward e-commerce and "Amazon-like" solutions. Interestingly, Walmart has weathered the storm much better than many thought. Perhaps their massive presence in brick-and-mortar stores alongside a rapidly evolving fulfillment capability using common inventory will turn out to be a model for the future.

KLLM Adds 610 Refrigerated Intermodal Containers

KLLM Transport Services has added 610 domestic intermodal refrigerated containers that aim to provide "an optimized cargo capacity for its customers thanks to the use of Carrier Transicold’s thin-profile Vector™ 1550 refrigeration systems."

FRA Announces $291.4MM for Rail Capital Projects

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued a $291.4 million notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair Grant Program (Partnership Program). This is the third such NOFO for the Partnership Program to help repair and rehabilitate intercity passenger railroad assets.

Texas Frac Sand Firm Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Frac sand firm Vista Proppants and Logistics filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday, stating it has around $500 million of liabilities, according to court documents. The Fort Worth, Texas-based company said the unprecedented downturn in the oil and gas industry harmed its financial position.

CN Benefits From British Columbia’s Growing Propane Exports

Three vessels carrying Canadian propane destined for international markets departed from AltaGas’ Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal on Thursday, beating a previous record by 50%, according to CN. CN exclusively serves the facilities at the Port of Prince Rupert, which is where the AltaGas Ridley Terminal is located. 

International News

Chinese Train Maker Help Maintain Railway Cars in Argentina

CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co., Ltd, a major manufacturer of railway cars in China, will provide maintenance services for Argentina's 709 intercity train carriages, the company announced Thursday.

New French Freight Coalition Targets Upsurge in Rail Freight Volumes

A new coalition of participants in France’s rail freight sector is targeting the doubling of rail freight volumes in the country by 2030 as a means of supporting sustainable economic development.

More Containers on Transit Through Russia Despite Pandemic

Despite the negative impact of the pandemic on the global economy, Russia saw an increase in container transit volumes in 2020. In the first five months of this year, 278 thousand containers moved on transit through the country, 18 per cent more than in the same period of 2019. This is according to Russian Railways, the state-owned railway company of Russia.