Back to August 2026 Industry Update
August 2026 Industry Update: Intermodal
FreightWaves SONAR Intermodal Rates Index (INTRM.USA)
Key Points
- Intermodal spot rates remained flat throughout much of July before jumping in the final week, ending the month up $0.04 MoM and still well above year-ago levels by $0.26.
FreightWaves SONAR Initially Reported Average Contract Base RPM (IMCRPM1.USA)
Key Points
- Following sharp gains in June, average intermodal contract rates declined $0.05 MoM in July but remain $0.03 higher YoY compared to July 2025.
Surface Transportation Board (STB) Weekly Average U.S. Rail Carload Volumes
Key Points
- Total rail carload volumes continue to climb in July, rising 1.0% YoY and marking the seventh straight month of YoY increases driven by gains in 14 of the 20 major carload categories.
Surface Transportation Board (STB) Weekly Average U.S. Rail Intermodal Volumes
Key Points
- Total intermodal containers and trailers also extended their growth streak in July, with weekly average intermodal volumes 6.0% higher YoY, and YTD volumes reaching a record high.