Intermodal Volume Stays Strong in Q2

While solid consumer spending lifted volumes, the longer-term impact of tariffs and trade policy on overall volume remains to be seen, said the Intermodal Association of North America.
Aug. 1, 2025

Total intermodal volume rose 2.4% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2025, according to the Intermodal Quarterly report from the Intermodal Association of North America.

International containers added 3.9%, domestic containers improved 2.6%, while trailers fell 25.4%.

"Imports and solid consumer spending continued to buoy intermodal in the second quarter,” said Anne Reinke, president and CEO of IANA, in a statement. "While domestic U.S. manufacturing is providing additional support, the longer-term impact of tariffs and trade policy on overall volume remains to be seen.”

Five of the seven highest-density trade corridors, which collectively handled more than 60% of total volume, were up in the second quarter.  The findings are as follows:

  • Trans-Canada was up 18.3%
  • Intra-Southeast gained 6.8%
  • South Central-Southwest was up 4.6% 
  • Midwest-Southwest was up 3%
  • Northeast-Midwest was up 2.9%
  • Midwest-Northwest fell 7.6%
  • Southeast-Southwest declined 8.7%

Total IMC volume fell 9.7% year-over-year in Q2, with intermodal traffic down 8.2% and highway loads were 11.9% to the negative.

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