The Intermodal Association of North America reports a 2.8% year-over-year increase in total North American intermodal loadings in Q3 2025, a high since 2021. Domestic containers showed steady growth, while international containers rebounded strongly. A tightening truckload market favors intermodal. While challenges remain, the long-term outlook for the market is optimistic.
U.S. multimodal freight volume fell by 4.1% year-over-year in November, continuing the decline seen in October. This reflects the impact of multiple factors, including a global economic slowdown, trade frictions, and weakening consumer demand. This data suggests potential challenges to economic growth in the coming months. Businesses and governments should closely monitor market dynamics and respond flexibly.
According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic showed divergence in the week ending August 14. Carload traffic increased by 5.7% year-over-year, driven by demand for commodities like coal and metallic ores. Intermodal traffic decreased by 3% year-over-year, constrained by port congestion and other factors. Year-to-date figures show carload and intermodal traffic up 9% and 14.6% respectively. Railroad companies need to adopt differentiated strategies to address the changing market dynamics.
Data from the Association of American Railroads reveals a divergence in the U.S. rail freight market for the week of August 8th. Traditional carload traffic plummeted 15.6% year-over-year, with only grain shipments showing growth. Conversely, intermodal container and trailer traffic increased by 1.9%. Year-to-date figures also indicate a smaller decline in intermodal volume compared to carload. This reflects the transformation of the U.S. economic structure, changing consumption patterns, and the influence of global trade. Railroad companies need to actively innovate and transform to adapt to the evolving market.
This paper analyzes multimodal transport data for March, highlighting structural divergence: overall growth but a decline in trailer transport, and strong growth in international containers. It emphasizes that growth in international trade and steady domestic economic development are driving forces, but also warns of risks from trade policies and rising costs. The paper recommends that companies adopt diversified and refined strategies, embrace new technologies, to address challenges and seize opportunities.
US rail freight carloads saw a slight increase, while intermodal transportation experienced a decline. However, the cumulative volume for the year showed overall growth. Multiple factors are influencing these trends. Looking ahead, key areas to watch include technological advancements, the expansion and optimization of intermodal solutions, and a growing emphasis on sustainable practices within the rail freight and logistics sectors.
Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a decline in rail freight carloads, but an increase in intermodal volume. The rise of e-commerce, supply chain reshaping, growing environmental awareness, and technological innovation are driving factors behind this growth. Rail freight companies should increase investment in intermodal infrastructure, expand service offerings, strengthen partnerships, leverage technological innovation to improve operational efficiency, and focus on sustainable development. By embracing these strategies and capitalizing on the opportunities presented by intermodal transportation, rail companies can successfully navigate the evolving landscape and transform their businesses.
Larry Gross provides an in-depth analysis of the multimodal transportation market, examining the impact of new tariff policies, freight economics, and service quality. He emphasizes that multimodal companies should embrace technological innovation, strengthen collaboration, focus on sustainable development, and improve service quality to address challenges and seize opportunities. By doing so, they can differentiate themselves and thrive in the competitive market. The analysis highlights key factors influencing the industry's future and offers strategic insights for success.
According to the Intermodal Association of North America, July's intermodal volume decreased by 3.2% year-over-year, with trailers experiencing a significant decline, while domestic containers saw growth. Experts suggest that port congestion, the pandemic, and chassis supply issues pose potential risks. Inflation and diesel prices present a double-edged sword. Moving forward, multimodal transportation needs to address challenges and seize opportunities in sustainable development and technological innovation.
Multimodal transport volume increased by 8.2% year-on-year in the second quarter, reaching a new high in recent years, with international container business leading the way. The report reveals factors such as economic recovery, increased port throughput, and potential labor issues. Experts recommend paying attention to market dynamics, optimizing service networks, and seizing opportunities to win in the second half of the year. Focus on adapting to changing conditions to maximize growth in the multimodal transport sector.
