Oliver Wyman

In a wide-ranging presentation at the RailTrends conference in New York last week, Adriene Bailey, partner and head of the North American Rail Team at Oliver Wyman, offered up detailed insight and analysis on various topics impacting the North American freight railroad market.

The 15th Annual Rail/Intermodal Roundtable examines the current state of the U.S. rail and intermodal markets, highlighting modest carload growth, improving service levels, and the ongoing impact of tariffs, truck competition, and emerging technology. Experts also weigh in on the potential Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, forecasting that regulatory review and broader economic conditions will shape service, pricing, and growth opportunities over the next several years.

Three of the nation’s top market analysts examine the current state of the freight railroad and intermodal markets, including a look at service levels, pricing, competition with other modes, and the ongoing implementation of automation.

Our annual gathering of freight transportation industry analysts reveals that the cycle of rate and capacity fluctuations continue their age-old volatility, but in a more muted fashion. Here’s a look at the elements that have ushered in this current malaise.

Three of the nation’s top market analysts examine the current state of the freight railroad and intermodal markets, including a look at pricing, service levels, competition with other modes, and the slow—but steady—implementation of automation.

Rate forecasts are always challenging for the rail and intermodal sector, says Jason Kuehn, vice president of the consultancy Oliver Wyman. But this one feels more difficult than most.