Annual State of Logistics Report Highlights Rail and Intermodal Trends

The 37th annual State of Logistics report has been released, with this year's edition focusing on the rail and intermodal segments of the U.S. freight industry. The long-running benchmark study continues to track performance, cost trends, and policy developments across the nation's supply chain infrastructure.

Rail and Intermodal in Focus

Railroads and intermodal carriers have been central to the movement of goods across long distances, linking ports, inland hubs, and final-mile distribution centres. The report highlights how these modes are adapting to shifting demand patterns, service expectations, and competitive pressures from other transport options.

Broader Industry Context

The State of Logistics report is produced annually and is widely cited by shippers, carriers, and policy analysts as a reference point for the overall health of U.S. logistics. By drilling into rail and intermodal, the 37th edition draws attention to a segment that handles a significant share of containerised freight travelling between coastal gateways and inland markets.

Why It Matters

Rail and intermodal performance influences supply-chain costs, transit reliability, and sustainability outcomes for many large shippers. The findings are expected to inform ongoing discussions around:

• Service reliability and capacity planning across Class I railroads
• Investment in intermodal terminals and equipment
• Competitive positioning versus trucking and other modes
• Policy and infrastructure considerations at federal and state level

For shippers evaluating their transport strategies, the rail and intermodal sections of the report offer a starting point for deeper planning. International developments, such as expanding logistics corridors abroad, also provide context for how U.S. networks may need to respond. Meanwhile, technology roll-outs like C.H. Robinson's BidBoardX procurement platform are reshaping how freight is bought and sold alongside these traditional modes.