The intermodal case is getting stronger by the week. The most recent AAR data shows U.S. intermodal volume up 3.0% year-over-year for the week ending July 11 — the latest in a consistent run of positive readings. At the same time, trucking spot rates remain roughly 55% above year-ago benchmarks despite a modest July lull. That gap between rail and truck is exactly where intermodal shines.
Rail rate increases are projected to stay in the low single digits through the remainder of 2026, while OTR contract rates continue their upward march. If you're running long-haul dry van freight on lanes 750 miles or longer, the numbers increasingly favor making the switch.
Source: Association of American Railroads (AAR), July 15, 2026. Comparable week data normalized for holiday weeks.
The traditional July lull brought a modest pullback in spot rates from mid-summer highs, but don't mistake the temporary softening for a trend reversal. The freight market remains roughly 10–15% undersupplied according to Ryder's July 2026 state of the industry report, with little near-term relief expected. Carriers are directing capacity to existing customers first and selectively adding new business — meaning shippers without contracted capacity are increasingly exposed.
The Southeast outbound market continues to run 10–15% above national averages on lanes originating from Atlanta, Charlotte, and Jacksonville. If you're moving freight out of the Southeast on lanes 750 miles or longer, intermodal is the most reliable way to lock in capacity and cost.
| Lane | OTR vs. Intermodal | Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast → Midwest Atlanta / JAX → Chicago |
Intermodal saving 20–25% OTR running premium on SE outbound |
Strong |
| East Coast → West Coast JAX / Savannah → LA / Oakland |
Intermodal saving 35–45% Longest haul, strongest economics |
Very Strong |
| Midwest → Northeast Chicago / Detroit → Northeast |
Intermodal saving 18–22% LTL embargoes redirecting freight to rail |
Strong |
| US → Canada Midwest → Toronto / Vancouver |
Intermodal saving 18–25% Tariff deadlines driving front-loading |
Active |
| Short haul under 500 miles Any origin |
OTR typically wins on shorter lanes | OTR Better |
1. July 24 tariff increases. Import volumes are tracking above year-ago levels with record August volumes projected as shippers front-load inventory ahead of the July 24 tariff deadline. This is driving elevated drayage demand at port-adjacent ramps and could affect equipment availability on inbound lanes. Plan ahead if you have West Coast port freight moving in the next 30–60 days.
2. Midwest LTL embargoes. Regional LTL carriers have issued embargoes on select Midwest service areas as volume backlogs from the June surge continue to work through the system. Shippers affected by LTL disruptions in the Midwest should consider intermodal as an alternative for qualifying lanes — the capacity is there and the economics work.
3. H2 procurement conversations. Contract rates from Q1 and late Q4 RFPs are already disconnected from the current market. If you haven't revisited your intermodal pricing for H2 2026, now is the time. We can have a fresh rate on any qualifying lane within minutes.
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The Weekly Rail Report is published every Monday by LaserNet Jax — a direct Intermodal Marketing Company based in Jacksonville, FL. We hold railroad contracts with CSX, Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific, CN Rail, and CP Rail, plus access to the full North American rail network. Data sourced from the Association of American Railroads (AAR), FreightWaves SONAR, DAT Trendlines, and industry market reports. All figures are for informational purposes; lane-specific rates vary and should be confirmed directly.