US domestic intermodal volumes up 7.4% in H1 2026 as shippers shift from truck

Summary

Tight truckload capacity is pushing more U.S. shippers onto rail, with domestic container traffic rising 7.4% in the first half of 2026, according to KWE's week-35 market update. While localized chassis shortages and terminal congestion persist, the network remains fluid; shippers are advised to add buffer time ahead of the September peak season.