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Intermodal Surges Past Carloads as Rail Traffic Gains Momentum Midyear

Rail carriers moved 520,406 combined carloads and intermodal units during a strong week at midyear, marking a 7 percent increase from comparable periods. Intermodal volume of 289,447 containers and trailers expanded 10 percent, substantially outpacing carload growth of 2.8 percent to 230,959 units. Grain shipments led commodity gains with a 21 percent surge, while metallic ores and metals climbed 19.2 percent as data center construction activity accelerates. Chemical shipments declined 1 percent after months of steady improvement tied to industrial strength. Through 23 weeks of 2026, railroads handled 15,993,851 combined carloads and intermodal units, up 2 percent year-over-year. Rising trucking rates have pushed shippers toward rail intermodal for domestic moves. International volumes strengthened as importers frontload shipments ahead of anticipated cost increases from Asian manufacturers and elevated global fuel expenses.