November 19, 2025

Intermodal Stays Ahead in Third Quarter

International Segment Maintains Momentum

CALVERTON, MD (November 19, 2025) – Total intermodal volumes rose 2.8 percent year-over-year in the third quarter of 2025, according to the Intermodal Association of North America. 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.”

Key highlights:

Domestic container strength - Domestic container traffic recorded its highest September volume ever, rising 5.8 percent year-over-year. This segment's strong growth was supported by increasing manufacturing activity and a successful capture of modal share from trucking, which experienced low rates and high operating costs.

International container sensitivity - July saw record volumes as domestic suppliers "frontloaded" in anticipation of tariff increases, with rapid weakness following in August. This volatility caused overall annual growth for IPI to slow to just 0.6 percent year-over-year in September.

Trucking capacity constraints - Despite a current sluggish freight environment, future tightening in the trucking market is expected to significantly benefit domestic intermodal. Pressures like a surge in insurance premium costs and declining Class 8 truck orders are aligning to constrain the available driver supply and fleet capacity.

“While total North American intermodal moves were up through the first nine months of 2025, the fourth quarter will be the most challenging of the year,” said Anne Reinke, President and CEO of IANA.

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.

Members of the press may request the 2025 Third Quarter Intermodal Quarterly report from Hope Kabik at hkabik@intermodal.org.