Breaking

Domestic Intermodal Volumes Hit Record High as Cost Advantage Widens

Domestic intermodal container volumes reached an annual peak of 21,697 units on Sept. 28, driven by shippers shifting freight from trucking to rail networks. The seven-day moving average has remained elevated heading into Q4. This growth combines approximately 8% year-over-year expansion with typical seasonal demand increases. Cost savings remain the primary conversion driver, with the Intermodal Contract Savings Index holding at approximately 30.9% — a historically elevated level. Specific corridors show pronounced advantages: the Harrisburg-to-Atlanta lane delivers 43% savings, while California-to-Ohio routes offer more than 42% savings versus current elevated trucking rates. Forecasts indicate loaded volumes could expand another 4% through Thanksgiving, contingent on stable demand and service reliability. Industry observers warn that sustained volume growth will compress available intermodal capacity, positioning rail operators to implement rate increases in the final quarter.