Originally published at: Intermodal spot rates haven't kept pace with trucking's spot market surge — but that's about to change in 2026 - FreightWaves
The freight market has been sending mixed signals for months, but one trend stands out clearly as we move deeper into 2026: trucking spot rates have staged a meaningful recovery, while intermodal rates remain stubbornly anchored near cycle lows. Look at the data. Truckload spot rates (inclusive of fuel) are holding elevated around $2.80 per…
Does Craig realize TL rates moving higher actually widens the discount for Intermodal?
This shows a woeful fundamental misunderstanding of freight - more than usual for Craigy.
“Don’t expect a dramatic flip overnight — intermodal’s structural advantages on long-haul economics remain. But the wide rate spread that fueled modal conversion is narrowing, and intermodal rates are poised to catch up as trucking’s tightness exerts upward pressure across surface modes.”
“Intermodal’s pricing advantage, while still attractive, is starting to look vulnerable. Truckload provides the effective “ceiling” for intermodal rates — railroads can’t price too far below trucking without risking margin erosion, but they also can’t ignore a tightening over-the-road market forever. As spot truckload strength persists and potentially bleeds into contract renewals later this year, intermodal providers will face pressure to adjust.”
Exit 79 TA truck stop off of interstate 70 just west of Columbus Ohio around 10:30 or 11am on 2/15/26 a guy with a battery drill and battery powered socket wrench was walking around taking mudflap hangers off truck’s and mudflap crome wire brace. Off of other people’s trucks while claiming to be international security. .he was a intilectual gotee beard old white guy in his 50s maybe wearing a straw flat hat like a cowboy hat but flat on the edge and top. . Around the truck exit row of trucks