Q3 2026 Intermodal Market Outlook: What Shippers Need to Know

Where the intermodal market stands heading into Q3

Intermodal volume has been on a consistent upward trend through 2026. AAR data shows intermodal carloads running ahead of the prior year for 12 consecutive weeks, with the Northeast-to-West-Coast and transcontinental corridors showing the strongest volume gains.

OTR rates are giving intermodal a wider window

OTR spot rates are running approximately 58% above year-ago levels heading into late July — and pre-peak tightening is beginning earlier than usual this year. Rejection rates out of the Northeast are climbing above 9% in some markets. On lanes over 750 miles, the spread between OTR spot and intermodal all-in is running 20–50% depending on the corridor.

US–Canada lanes: elevated demand

Cross-border US–Canada intermodal volume is elevated as shippers manage tariff exposure and lock in cost certainty. Our direct CN Rail and CP Rail contracts give us capacity access on this corridor that many providers don’t have — one rate, one contact, customs coordination included.

What this means for your Q3 freight strategy

• If you’re moving freight by OTR on lanes over 750 miles — now is the time to get an intermodal rate comparison. The savings are real and immediate, especially out of the Northeast.
• If you have US–Canada lanes — intermodal via CN Rail or CP Rail is worth pricing now.
• If you haven’t confirmed Q3 intermodal capacity — pre-peak tightening has already started. Don’t wait until August.

Lanes with the strongest intermodal case right now

• Northeast (Newark, NYC, Philadelphia) to West Coast — saving 40–50% vs. OTR
• Southeast (Atlanta, Jacksonville, Charlotte) to Midwest — saving 20–25%
• Any East Coast origin to West Coast — saving 35–45%
• Midwest to Toronto and Vancouver — saving 18–25%