Intermodal

Carloads decreased 1.3% to 251,970, and intermodal containers and trailers posted a 6.7% annual gain at 276,470.

Learn more about what's influencing your truckload, less-than-truckload, and Intermodal surface transportation strategies in 2018 and how to overcome the challenges.

Carloads slipped 0.5% annually to 251,058, and intermodal containers and trailers, at 268,487, saw a 3.7% annual gain.

DAT’s key thesis is that average spot and contract rates have “diverged sharply” over the three-month period covering November, December, and January, with the gap having accelerated in recent weeks, due to gains in spot rates, not only for van activity but also for the three major equipment classes: van, reefer, and flatbed.

Both fourth quarter and full-year 2017 intermodal volumes turned in strong performances, according to data in the most recent edition of the Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics Report, which was released by the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA).

Freight volumes, Intermodal containers and trailers headed up 5% to 270,586, ahead of the 207,216 recorded for the week ending January 6.

Carloads dropped 5.2% to 208,646. Intermodal containers and trailers fell 3.9% annually to 207,216.

2017 U.S. carloads increased 2.9%, or 381,266 carloads, annually to 13,478,126, compared to 2016’s 13,096,860. Intermodal containers and trailers headed up 3.9%, or 521,121 units, annually to 14,011,834 for the highest annual tally ever recorded for the segment. Intermodal trucking rates

Carloads, at 267,963, were up 3.4% annually, and intermodal containers and trailers rose 4.6% annually to 292,793 units.

Carloads were essentially flat, falling 0.9%, or 11,442 carloads, annually to 1,307,521, and intermodal containers and trailers headed up 3.8% annually, or 50,029 units, to 1,369,160, with the AAR noting that intermodal volume is still on track to set a new annual record this year.

A prominent industry analyst has observed that that 2018 is expected to be a much better year for railroads and shippers who rely on them.

Rail carloads headed up 0.2% to 230,326, and intermodal containers and trailers increased 4.7% to 233,276.

Rail carloads were off 1.6% annually at 266,927, and intermodal containers and trailers headed up 3.9% to 287,139.

Rail carloads fell 3.3% annually to 263,265, and intermodal containers and trailers saw a 5.6% annual gain to 284,215.