Executive Commentary |
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would represent one of the most consequential shifts in North American intermodal operations in decades. The rationalization of terminal networks could redistribute freight flows and redefine inland gateways— elevating the strategic importance of certain rail crossroads. Regional and shorthaul trucking would remain essential for first and last mile connectivity, as volume concentration around fewer nodes may shift geographic demand. The merger’ s impact would extend well beyond the railroads themselves; service providers, equipment operators and logistics partners would need to remain agile, fostering flexible networks and adaptive solutions to navigate what is likely to be a complex and closely watched transition. |
DCLI
Lee Newitt
CEO www. dcli. com
Everyone across the intermodal industry has been affected by the extended freight slump in the years since the pandemic. While that has created challenges for all of us, it has also provided an opportunity for companies committed to growth to become more customer-focused and efficient and, thus, be better prepared to service shippers’ needs when demand returns. While many in our industry are retrenching to wait out the downturn, we have continued investing in fleet upgrades so we are prepared to manage customer volumes as they grow when demand returns to more normal levels. New initiatives will enhance domestic intermodal services, such as equipping chassis with GPS to improve visibility, drive terminal efficiency, and deliver even higher quality. Products tailored to the marine chassis needs of BCOs will also be vital because many of those companies are showing greater interest in chassis to strengthen their supply chains during this downturn.
Regarding the potential Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, we
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“ New initiatives will enhance domestic intermodal services, such as equipping chassis with GPS to improve visibility, drive terminal efficiency, and deliver even higher quality.”
Lee Newitt
“ Intermodal may be surviving the freight slump, but we want it to thrive.”
Anne Reinke
“ Service quality and continuous improvement have become top priorities for maintaining efficiency and reliability.”
Brian Webb
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believe there are tremendous opportunities ahead for growth in intermodal. UP and NS have pointed to it as a catalyst for such growth, and the other major railroads have recently announced more robust intermodal service offerings with that same result in mind. At DCLI we are focused on partnering with all the Class I railroads across North America to support growth in both the domestic and international markets while ensuring we can meet our customers’ chassis needs along the way.
Intermodal Association of North America
Anne Reinke
President & CEO www. intermodal. org
Intermodal has not been immune to the freight slump weighing the whole freight sector, but the numbers could be surprising. Yearto-date, intermodal volume has grown 3.8 %, on top of 8.5 % growth in 2024. The fourth quarter will be the most challenging of 2025, but full year projections are in positive territory.
The longer-term outlook, however, remains unclear. Globalization is being tested by tariffs and other trade barriers as the current administration seeks to reshore manufacturing— notwithstanding the China détente at the time of writing. Around 60 % of intermodal traffic is import-driven. How will the industry adapt?
Fortunately, it is resilient. As the current trade policy has disrupted imports, the railroads have focused on interline synergies, doubling down on regional and international connections; as a result, the railroads are running well. Ocean liners have adjusted their fleets in the face of port fees that were about to go into effect. While some
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NFI Industries
Brian Webb
President, Port Services www. nfiindustries. com
The freight market continues to face an extended period of uncertainty, and the effects are being felt across the
drayage carriers have suffered the general slowdown, others have seen opportunity.
Likewise, the 3PLs and suppliers that support the carriers have responded with innovation, including a steady stream of visibility solutions. A walk through this year’ s Intermodal EXPO exhibit floor brought this to life: TMS-integrated tracking devices, AI-enabled scanning platforms and a roadside camera network were among the products enhancing monitoring and delivery.
As an association, IANA is stepping up to highlight with lawmakers the importance of the industry. A Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill that meets intermodal’ s infrastructure needs and reforms bureaucratic permitting processes is just one of our priorities. Legislative action on the growing threat of cargo theft is another, along with protections for independent contractors in the drayage space.
Intermodal may be surviving the freight slump, but we want it to thrive. A ten-year look back shows growth that trails GDP, and the headwinds it faces are challenging. Regaining market share will be key to our efforts as we look to 2026 and beyond.
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