Breaking

Intermodal Volumes Hit Record High as Truckload Market Remains Constrained Into Q4

Domestic intermodal container volumes have reached all-time highs, advancing 8% year-over-year. This growth continues a multi-year expansion trend and reflects a significant modal shift, with freight moving from truckload to rail. Tender rejection rates in trucking remain elevated near 14% heading into the fourth quarter. Flatbed and refrigerated rejections are rising, while dry van has dipped modestly with the season. Refrigerated freight continues to benefit from active harvest season demand expected through January. The intermodal growth trajectory raises sustainability questions given rail infrastructure constraints during volume surges. Industry observers caution that late-September truckload volume declines signal mode shifting rather than broad economic weakness, warranting close monitoring by carriers and brokers.