Intermodal Shipments Continue Growth in September, According to IANA
Intermodal Shipments Continue Growth in September, According to IANA
According to data released by the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), September 2025 intermodal shipments showed a year-over-year growth of 2.4%. This growth exceeded the 1.6% increase in August, but remained below July's 4.4% expansion. The elevated growth seen in July had been driven by frontloading activities ahead of the White House's temporary pause on reciprocal tariffs.
In September, total units transported reached 1,550,599.
Trailer shipments declined 19.7% to 37,757 units.
Domestic container shipments increased 5.8% to 745,507 units.
Total domestic equipment (trailers plus containers) volume grew 4.2%, reaching 783,264 units.
ISO (international) container shipments showed 0.6% growth to 767,335 units.
In the first nine months of the year, total volume reached 13,891,972 units, representing a 3.8% increase compared to the same period last year. During this period, trailers declined 20.8%, while domestic container shipments increased 3.5%. ISO containers rose 5.5% to 7,102,111 units.
According to IANA's published "Intermodal Quarterly" report, second quarter volume grew 2.4% to 4,579,798 units, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of growth. This growth streak followed eight consecutive quarters of decline experienced during 2023–2024. The growth rate in the first quarter stood at 6.3%.
The report noted that uncertainties in tariffs and trade policies persist, but positive indicators such as a 3.7% increase in retail sales, the manufacturing index reaching its highest level since 2018 (100.8), and GDP growth estimates of 3% are providing support to the intermodal sector.
IANA stated that the strong performance in the first half of the year was supported by the "pulling forward of shipments before tariffs take effect" strategy, which created opportunities for both domestic and international intermodal transportation.
However, IANA President and CEO Anne Reinke emphasized that uncertainty has increased for the third quarter and beyond due to the White House's reciprocal tariffs that took effect today. Reinke noted that in recent years a "flatter" peak season has been experienced, this trend is expected to continue in 2025, and peak demand may shift toward year-end.
Reinke also stated that Surface Transportation Board (STB) data on the current state of intermodal service indicates that the "system is functioning properly".
Gross Transportation Consulting President Larry Gross similarly noted that service levels are strong and the number of trains waiting at rail terminals is historically low. Gross stated, "This shows that the system is operating with adequate staffing and resources. Despite fluctuations caused by tariffs, the system is maintaining its resilience." He also added that the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach reached record volumes in July, yet there was no congestion across the network.
Looking at the overall picture, as of September 2025, the intermodal transportation sector is continuing its steady growth despite high cost pressures and trade uncertainties. Analysts believe that growth will be moderate but sustainable in the coming period due to the U.S. tariff policies and global supply chain dynamics.
Key Takeaways:
September 2025 intermodal volume grew 2.4%, reaching a total of 1.55 million units.
Trailer shipments declined 19.7%, while domestic containers rose 5.8%.
ISO container shipments showed 0.6% growth.
Growth for the first 9 months of the year reached 3.8%.
IANA indicated that the increase stemmed from "shipment pulling ahead of tariffs".
STB data shows that the intermodal network is operating smoothly and there is no congestion at ports.
The 2025 peak season will trend later and flatter than in previous years.
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News Link: https://www.supplychain247.com/article/intermodal_volumes_head_up_in_september_reports_iana
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