{
  "id": 11068618,
  "title": "Intermodal Hits Annual High (21K+ Containers)",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/intermodal-hits-annual-high-21k-containers",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-01T00:17:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "FreightWaves",
    "slug": "freightwaves",
    "url": "https://www.freightwaves.com/news/intermodal-hits-annual-high-21k-containers"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Intermodal shipping volumes have reached an all-time high, with over 21,000 domestic containers transported by rail in 2023, according to FreightWaves data. The record-breaking figure, which has remained elevated since September 28, is attributed to significant cost savings and strong year-over-year growth in intermodal activity. The 7-day moving average of loaded domestic intermodal containers hit 21,697, marking an 8% increase year-over-year.\n\nKey factors driving this trend include historically wide cost advantages for rail over over-the-road transportation. FreightWaves' Intermodal Contract Savings Index has eased from a peak of 33% in mid-August to approximately 30.9% as of late September, still considered historically high. Specific lanes, such as the Harrisburg-to-Atlanta corridor and outbound California lanes into Ohio, offer savings of up to 43% compared to current elevated spot rates on the road.\n\nSeasonal trends also play a role, with domestic container volumes typically rising from August into September. However, this year's increase is compounded by a 8% year-over-year growth, making it a notable milestone. Despite some slowing of rail service due to increased freight movement, shippers continue to convert freight from road to rail to capitalize on the substantial savings. The 7-day moving average of loaded domestic intermodal containers reached an annual high of 21,697 on September 28, up 8% year-over-year.\n\nLooking ahead, FreightWaves' seasonally adjusted forecast predicts an additional 4% volume growth heading into Thanksgiving. However, this projection does not account for potential economic factors that could shift demand, service quality, or intermodal rates. The building capacity pressure suggests that rate increases may be necessary in the fourth quarter to meet demand.",
  "summary": "Intermodal volumes are breaking records! Domestic intermodal containers reached a new annual high of over 21,000, driven by significant cost savings and strong annual growth. Discover which lanes offer the biggest intermodal savings and what this trend means for freight conversion from road to rail as we head into Q4. The 7-day moving average of […] The post Intermodal Hits Annual High (21K+…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}