North American intermodal up 5.1% YTD as truckload rates forecast +30% in 2026

Summary

AAR data shows North American intermodal ran about 5.1% above last year year-to-date, with the week of 15 August at ~291,000 units (+2.7% YoY). C.H. Robinson now forecasts spot truckload rates up 30% in 2026 as over-the-road capacity tightens; Union Pacific is managing bookings in constrained markets and new long-term deals are unlikely before 2027.