Intermodal volumes remained on the right side of growth in August, according to data provided to LM by the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA).
Total August volume, at 1,677,822 units, posted a 4.1% annual gain, trailing gains seen across May, June, and July, at 4.4%, 11.6%, and 5.3%, respectively.
Trailers, at 41,398, headed up 5.9% annually, and domestic containers, at 811,563, posted an 8.1% annual gain. All domestic equipment, which is comprised of trailers and domestic containers, at 852,961, rose 8.0% annually. ISO, or international, containers, at 824,861, rose 0.4%.
Through the first eight months of 2026, IANA reported that total volume, at 11,045,747, increased 2.9% annually. Domestic containers, at 5,354,977, were up 8.2% annually, and trailers, at 274,848, saw a 3.3% annual gain. All domestic equipment, at 5,629,825, was up 7.9%. ISO containers were the lone sector to see a decline, at 5,415,922, for a 1.8% annual decrease.
Intermodal has been strong throughout 2026, aided by high energy prices related to the respective conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, as well as various federal government measures and initiatives, largely focused on driver CDL requirements in v...