U.S. intermodal shippers surveyed by an investment research firm pulled more freight off intermodal trains and put it back on trucks during the third quarter than vice-versa, the first time the survey tracked intermodal conversion losing ground since 2010.
Shippers said they expect to further decelerate their conversion of loads to rail, but survey results suggest intermodal rails will ultimately begin regaining share over the next six to 12 months. Even so, the projected 1.2 percent intermodal share gain predicted for this year is the lowest Wolfe Research has seen in four years.