Imagine navigating port congestion, truck driver shortages, and uncertain international trade policies—all while trying to maintain stable and efficient supply chains. The solution may lie in North America's domestic intermodal market. As Larry Gross, president of Gross Transportation Consulting, noted at the RailTrends conference, the sector currently exists in a "dual state," facing both challenges and opportunities.
On one hand, prolonged trade uncertainty and declining volumes on some traditional routes have created pressure. Structural shifts in demand for certain commodities, for instance, are reshaping transportation needs. On the other hand, domestic intermodal is gaining prominence due to its cost efficiency and environmental benefits. For long-haul transportation especially, rail outperforms trucking in reducing both fuel costs and carbon emissions.
To fully unlock intermodal's potential, industry stakeholders must collaborate to optimize operational efficiency, improve service quality, and embrace digital transformation.
Only through such efforts can intermodal become a key growth engine, helping businesses maintain competitiveness in today's volatile market landscape. The path forward requires adaptation, but the rewards—for companies and the environment alike—could be substantial.