Domestic Intermodal

Total loadings, at 4,757,324, increased 2.8% annually, hitting its highest level since the second quarter 2021.

The state of the North American intermodal market could be described as somewhat bifurcated, based on a presentation at last week’s RailTrends conference in New York by noted intermodal expert Larry Gross, president of Gross Transportation Consulting.

Total August volume, at 1,610,997 units, increased 1.6% annually, below the 4.4% annual gain seen in July, which saw higher volumes due to the pulling-forward of goods being imported during the previous pause on the White House’s reciprocal tariffs.

Total July volume, at 1,595,728 units, increased 4.4% annually, following a 0.5% annual decline in June.

Total May volume, at 1,550,333 units, eked out a 0.5% annual gain, following a 7.1% increase in April. Trailers fell 25.8% annually, to 36,933, and domestic containers, at 721,310, posted a 1.7% annual gain.

Total March volume, at 1,570,326 units, posted a 7.2% annual gain. Trailers continued a longstanding decline, falling 21.0%, to 38,472, and domestic containers, at 717,382, increased 4.7% annually. All domestic equipment, which is comprised of trailers and domestic containers, at 755,854, was up 3.0% annually. ISO, or international containers, at 814,472, rose 11.4% annually.

Total February volume, at 1,423,500 units, was off 0.5% annually. Trailers continued a longstanding decline, falling 19.8%, to 37,063, and domestic containers, at 667,434 increased 1.0% annually. All domestic equipment, which is comprised of trailers and domestic containers, at 704,497, was off 0.3% annually. ISO, or international containers, at 719,003 fell 0.8% annually.

IANA reported that total third quarter volume, at 4,627,631 units, headed up 9.8% annually, growing for the fourth consecutive quarter, following eight straight quarters of annual declines. The first and second quarters saw annual gains of 8.8% and 7.7%, respectively.

Total August volume, at 1,585,012 units, increased 8.3% annually and topped July’s 1,528,132 units.

In its “Intermodal Quarterly,” IANA reported that total first quarter intermodal volume, at 4,286,600 units, rose 8.8% annually, growing for the second consecutive quarter, following eight straight quarters of annual declines.

Total February volume, at 1,431,368 units, was up 14.6% annually, well ahead of the previous three months of gains, for November, December, and January, at 3.8%, 6.4%, and 5.5%, respectively.   

IANA reported that total fourth quarter intermodal volume, at 4,367,940 units, rose 3.1% annually, marking the first time there has been annual growth in the past nine quarters. Full-year 2023 intermodal volume, at 16,669,980 units, was off 5.9% annually.

Total September volume, at 1,410,278 units, was off 4.0% annually, continuing a trend of slimming sequential declines, following 7.5% and 9.8% annual declines, in August and July, respectively.

Total August volume, at 1,463,123 units, decreased 7.5% annually, faring better than the 9.8% annual decrease seen in July.

CN and NS officials said that this new service will provide customers with an integrated, market-competitive, and efficient all-rail service. And they added that this service will connect CN-served Canadian markets with Norfolk Southern-served Kansas City and Atlanta, which they referred to as the heart of the fast-growing manufacturing and consumer base in the Southeastern U.S.