November 25, 2025
North American intermodal freight volumes rose 2.8 percent in the third quarter
Total intermodal volumes rose 2.8 percent year-over-year in the third quarter of 2025, according to the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA). International containers added 4.4 percent, domestic containers improved 2.5 percent, while trailers fell 18.7 percent.
"The North American intermodal market has shown notable resilience this quarter, extending a positive growth trajectory despite increasing volatility and economic headwinds," said Andrew Sibold, IANA's Director of Economics. "Domestic intermodal may see the greatest opportunity going forward as trucking conditions tighten."
Five of the seven highest-density trade corridors, which collectively handled more than 60 percent of total volume, were up. The Trans-Canada increased 17.3 percent; the Intra-Southeast climbed 8.0 percent; and the Northeast-Midwest grew 5.5 percent. The South Central-Southwest managed 1.5 percent, and the highest volume corridor, the Midwest-Southwest, eked out 0.9 percent. The Southeast-Southwest fell 7.0 percent, while the Midwest-Northwest dropped 13.0 percent.
Source: IANA