Categories: The Buzz

by Jessica Ingram

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Intermodal freight continues to be a bright spot in the transportation industry as U.S. railroads report another week of strong year-over-year growth. Recent data from the Association of American Railroads shows intermodal container and trailer volumes increasing at a faster pace than traditional rail carloads, reflecting continued demand for cost-effective transportation on longer freight lanes. The growth comes as businesses look for ways to balance transportation costs while maintaining reliable service across their supply chains.

Intermodal transportation combines the efficiency of rail with the flexibility of truck transportation, allowing freight to move long distances by rail before completing final delivery by truck. As freight demand continues to evolve, many shippers are evaluating intermodal solutions for shipments that are less time-sensitive and travel longer distances. The continued increase in rail volumes demonstrates the important role intermodal transportation plays in supporting an efficient and resilient supply chain.


Source:

Stuart Chirls. “No Holiday for Booming Rail Freight.” FreightWaves, July 8, 2026.

Original Article: https://www.freightwaves.com/news/no-holiday-for-booming-rail-freight

Industry Insight:

Intermodal transportation can offer shippers a cost-effective alternative for longer-haul freight that does not require expedited transit. As rail volumes continue to grow, businesses may benefit from reviewing their shipping networks to identify lanes where combining rail and truck transportation could improve efficiency while helping manage transportation costs.

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