Surface Transportation
PIERS, a sister product of the Journal of Commerce within S & P Global, shows that Asia-sourced imports landing at the Port of Los Angeles were up 6.6 % for the first half of 2026 compared with the year-ago period; imports into Long Beach were 2.1 % higher.
Intermodal train speeds across US Class I railroads declined 1.2 % to an average of 28.3 miles per hour in the second quarter, according to the STB. In June, speeds slowed by 4 % year over year; train speeds were slower for all US railroads.
Three major chassis lessors acknowledged the stronger demand, but said the market is adequately supplied.
TRAC Intermodal said Chicago-area chassis utilization increased by double digits in 2026 through mid-July compared with its 2025 utilization level.
“ We are presently appropriately fleeted, but have the ability to add capacity if needed to support our customers,” TRAC said.
FlexiVan said it anticipated the increase in Chicago volumes and positioned equipment there before volumes rose.“ We’ re aware of the volume surge occurring in the Chicago area and have worked hard to ensure our chassis supply is in position and ready to serve,” the company said.“ Thanks to this early planning, FlexiVan has been able to keep up with the volumes, and our customer containers have not faced delays due to chassis.”
DCLI said it is trying to increase available capacity by returning out-of-service chassis to the market.
“ DCLI is working closely with our vendors in Chicago to repair chassis and increase available capacity for motor carriers in the marketplace to support the growing market demand,” the company said, adding it is also coordinating with ocean carriers and railroads to anticipate where additional equipment may be needed.
“ It sounds great, but it is still not enough.”
The next test will be whether chassis pool operators can keep enough of the right equipment available at the BNSF and UP ramps to prevent mismatches when unloading trains, which would disrupt truck turn times and delivery windows.
email: ari. ashe @ spglobal. com
Follow our focus.
03559 Shutterstock. com
SPECIAL REPORTS
Position your marketing where decision makers look for solutions.
Our magazine and online content examines issues your customers will read. www. joc. com August 3, 2026 | Journal of Commerce 39