Domestic Intermodal Containers Hit Annual High Above 21,000 as Shippers Shift Freight to Rail on Cost Savings

The 7-day moving average of loaded domestic intermodal containers reached a new annual high of 21,697 on Sept. 28, 2026, up roughly 8% year over year, as shippers continue converting freight from over-the-road trucking to rail. FreightWaves' Intermodal Contract Savings Index stands at approximately 30.9%, down from a mid-August peak above 33% but still historically elevated. Specific lanes show steeper discounts: Harrisburg-to-Atlanta offers 43% savings, while outbound California lanes into Ohio exceed 42% versus elevated spot truck rates. Seasonally adjusted forecasts point to another 4% volume growth heading into Thanksgiving, though the projection excludes economic variables and could shift if demand weakens or service deteriorates. Tightening capacity with each additional week of growth strengthens the case for intermodal rate increases in the fourth quarter. International intermodal volumes held steady at 13,620 on the FreightWaves index, down from a July high near 15,000, reflecting importers pulling shipments forward earlier in the year.