In the freight industry, staying informed on pricing trends is crucial. Many logistics professionals are familiar with the DAT Trendline report, which offers valuable insights into the truckload market. But what about intermodal?
While intermodal is not as spot market-driven as truckload, it does provide valuable insight providing shippers and logistics teams with the intermodal data they need to make smarter, more cost-effective decisions. That’s where InTek’s Intermodal Spot Rate Trendline Report steps in. Every week, our report offers a fresh look at intermodal spot rates and pricing trends.
What is the InTek Intermodal Spot Rate Trendline Report?
InTek's weekly Intermodal Spot Rate Trendline Report is designed to bring visibility to intermodal pricing, helping shippers track and understand overall market trends against trends in the truckload market. An additional benefit of the intermodal pricing index is that it can be a good proxy for the strength of the truckload market and whether its strength or weakness is sustainable.
The truckload market is very dynamic, and many report the market is recovering based on short-term rate moves up or down, tender rejection rates, etc. But that is not the case with intermodal for the following reasons:
- Intermodal is a close-knit industry held by a group of class 1 railroads and asset intermodal marketing companies (IMCs) with incredibly large, strong balance sheets - so they are less likely to move their spot prices on a whim.
- While we would not recommend this strategy, some shippers only turn to intermodal when trucking capacity tightens rather than building it into their overall supply chain operation.
Every Tuesday, InTek updates the Intermodal Spot Rate Pricing Trendline Index to reflect the latest spot rate market moves and pricing trends, making it an invaluable tool for logistics professionals who want clear, timely data.
Mechanics of the InTek Intermodal Index
The InTek intermodal index tracks 115 of the highest volume door-to-door 53’ intermodal spot rate lanes across the various region-to-region volumes published by IANA (the Intermodal Association of North America).
The validity of the index has been called up on more than one occasion, but since collecting the data in 2010 followers have continued to grow, not walk away. Why? Because they have found the direction and strength of rates to be the best tool to address both intermodal rates and the overall strength of the 53’ capacity market - comprised of both truckload and intermodal transportation solutions.
For more on how the InTek Intermodal Index is calculated, we recommend reading Explaining the InTek Intermodal Index: Tracking Intermodal Spot Rates.
Key Benefits of Using the InTek Intermodal Spot Rate Trendline Report
The InTek report is designed to go beyond numbers. Here are a few key ways it can help your team stay competitive in today’s evolving market:
- Visibility into Rate Trends: Tracking rate changes can help shippers and logistics managers plan more accurately. With weekly updates, you can see how rates fluctuate and use these insights to optimize your shipping strategies and budgets.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: By following spot rate data in real-time, logistics teams can make mode choice decisions based on the latest market conditions. In considering whether to go with truckload or intermodal, the data gives you clarity on cost-effective options.
- Risk Mitigation: Market volatility is a given, but understanding the trends helps reduce exposure to it. The report can inform strategies to lock in favorable rates or adjust to shifts in demand, reducing the likelihood of unexpected costs.
Comparing Intermodal and Truckload Market Insights
Truckload and intermodal markets offer different benefits, and knowing the strengths of each can help you build a resilient logistics strategy. Intermodal is often a strong choice for shippers who want to reduce costs over longer distances, while meeting sustainability goals.
By following both truckload and intermodal data trends, you can achieve a fuller picture of the freight market. For instance, when truckload rates spike or capacity is tight, intermodal can offer a cost-effective alternative. The trendline report keeps you informed on the intermodal side, letting you recognize these opportunities as they arise.
Practical Applications of the InTek Intermodal Spot Rate Trendline Report
Understanding the report’s benefits is one thing, but how can you apply them? Here are some practical ways to use the data:
- Logistics Teams: Use the report to guide monthly or quarterly pricing strategies. Tracking the weekly data helps you identify when rates are most favorable, and you can adjust your schedules accordingly.
- Procurement Departments: Knowing optimal times to secure intermodal rates can help you plan for long-haul moves. The data allows you to see when intermodal might be the best choice for certain routes, making it easier to work intermodal into your overall, long-term budget strategy.
- Sustainability-Focused Companies: For those with green goals, understanding intermodal pricing is key. As intermodal is a more environmentally friendly option, tracking the data can help you find ways to move freight sustainably while also managing costs.
Why Regular Updates Matter in Today’s Market
The freight market is constantly evolving, and weekly updates provide timely, actionable insights that can help you stay ahead. As intermodal becomes an increasingly valuable option for companies looking to diversify their shipping strategies, regular rate tracking is essential for identifying cost-saving opportunities and responding to shifts in demand.
The InTek Intermodal Spot Rate Trendline Report keeps you informed with current data, so you’re never left in the dark about market conditions. Instead, you get the information you need to adapt and stay competitive.
Conclusion
In today’s market, intermodal can offer significant cost, capacity, and sustainability benefits—but only if you know when and how to use it. That’s where the InTek Intermodal Spot Rate Trendline Report comes in, providing you with a clear, current view of intermodal pricing each week.
Explore the report and discover how it can benefit your logistics planning. Check out the latest updates and see how intermodal can be a strategic fit for your freight needs.
If you’re curious about whether intermodal is right for your business, reach out today. Just request a quote, and we'll work with you on flexible solutions that fit your business best. For more information about InTek, or logistics and supply chain issues in general, check out our Freight Guides.
