ITS Logistics Issues June Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index

Why It Matters

The tightening capacity and rising costs signal higher drayage and intermodal rates ahead of the 2026 peak season, impacting shippers’ cost structures and supply‑chain reliability across North America.

Key Takeaways

• All U.S. port and rail regions flagged at elevated concern
• Truckload rates hit $3.83 per mile, a COVID‑era record
• Fuel prices up 50% year‑over‑year, squeezing carrier margins
• Intermodal volumes rose 10% YoY as shippers shift from trucks
• U.S. container imports hit 2.4 million TEUs, 9% month‑over‑month

Pulse Analysis

The June Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index from ITS Logistics underscores a systemic strain in North America’s freight ecosystem. Elevated concern across all regions reflects a convergence of dwindling container capacity, aggressive peak surcharges from ocean carriers, and a 50% jump in fuel prices since June 2025. These dynamics have already pushed truckload rates to $3.83 per mile, a level not seen since the COVID‑era, while the Logistics Managers’ Index signals a stark 28.4% capacity rating, well below the 50% neutral threshold. This environment foreshadows tighter drayage markets and higher inland haulage costs as the peak season approaches.

Shippers are responding by accelerating the shift from truckload to intermodal rail, a trend that lifted May intermodal volumes by 10% year‑over‑year. While this migration offers short‑term fuel cost relief, it also intensifies pressure on inland rail ramps, especially in the East, where driver shortages are already tightening. The resulting congestion could trigger storage fees for containers and further elevate pricing pressure across the supply chain. Companies with flexible logistics strategies stand to mitigate some of these impacts, but those reliant on pure truckload services may face steep rate hikes.

Import activity adds another layer of complexity. U.S. containerized imports reached 2.4 million TEUs in May, a 9% month‑over‑month increase, with China‑origin shipments surging nearly 20%. This rebound aligns with seasonal demand but also amplifies the capacity crunch at ports and rail ramps. As the industry heads into the 2026 peak season, stakeholders must monitor capacity metrics, fuel price trajectories, and intermodal shifts to navigate a market poised for heightened volatility and cost escalation.