Intermodal Savings Surge: Up to 49% ROI for Shippers

Intermodal freight options are offering significant cost savings for shippers in today's volatile market, with savings reaching up to 49% ROI, according to FreightWaves SONAR data. This surge in intermodal savings is being driven by a growing disparity between rising truckload rates and relatively stable intermodal pricing. In a live update at the College Football Hall of Fame, Julie Van de Kamp highlighted that the Harrisburg to Atlanta lane, one of the top savings lanes, has seen van spot rates increase by around 42%, van contract rates rise by about 26%, and intermodal rates only climb by 16%.

This disparity makes a strong case for shifting mode for shippers. The East Coast corridors, particularly Atlanta and Harrisburg, are leading the savings rankings, with lanes like Atlanta to Chicago, Atlanta to Joliet, Atlanta to Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Harrisburg to Ontario, California, and Los Angeles all showing increased savings in the past three months.

This trend is supported by a recent drop in tender rejections and stabilizing spot rates, while contract truckload rates continue to rise. Intermodal volumes are also increasing, but the potential impact of a pending railroad merger on intermodal contract rates remains to be seen, as carriers may avoid actions that could draw shipper opposition.