U.S. Rail Intermodal Volume Hits Record in October
Intermodal traffic rose 9.6% from a year earlier, marking a third straight month of record volumes for the sector.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Transportation
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U.S. railroads set a record for intermodal volume in October 2026, with traffic up 9.6% over October 2025. Total carloads also rose 3.4% in the month, and excluding coal, carloads climbed 4.5%.
Why it matters
Freight shifting from trucks to rail amid high diesel fuel costs and tight trucking capacity has pushed more goods onto the rails. Retailers stocking up on consumer goods before the holidays also made October the peak intermodal month.
October carloads rose 3.4% overall and 4.5% excluding coal, with motor vehicles and parts up 10% and 15 of 20 carload segments growing year over year. Year-to-date intermodal volume is up 4.7%, but the source does not break down how much of that growth is tied to specific commodities beyond the segments listed.
The players
Association of American Railroads (AAR)
The AAR is the trade association representing U.S. freight railroads and publishes monthly rail traffic data and industry overviews.
The details
Fifteen of the 20 carload traffic segments grew year over year in October 2026. Carloads of petroleum products were the most since February 2020, and carloads of iron and steel scrap were the most since September 2008.
Timeline
October 2026: Record intermodal and carload volumes reported for the month.
November 9, 2026: AAR published its November Rail Industry Overview.
2027: AAR expects rail volumes to keep growing.
Market Landscape
The Freight Rail Index, excluding coal and grain, reached its second-highest level ever in October 2026, showing rail gaining share as freight moves away from trucks. Chemicals traffic is likely to set a new record this year, and the AAR expects rail volumes to keep growing into 2027.
Shippers moving goods by rail may see continued strong capacity demand as freight shifts from trucks amid high diesel costs. Consumers may notice holiday merchandise moving through the supply chain at peak volumes during the fall retail season.
The takeaway
Rail's gains in October show freight moving toward the rails when trucking costs rise and capacity tightens. Businesses planning shipments should account for rising rail demand heading into 2027.
What happens next
The AAR expects rail volumes to keep growing into 2027, and this year is projected to set a new annual intermodal record.
Further reading
For more on how freight carriers are competing for shipments, see the Transportation section.
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