What is the State of Logistics report and why should supply chain professionals pay attention to it?

The State of Logistics is an annual industry benchmark report that analyzes transportation, warehousing, and logistics sector performance. The 37th edition examines rail and intermodal specifically, providing data on capacity, pricing, service levels, and market trends. Supply chain professionals use it to validate carrier negotiations, understand capacity constraints, and make mode selection decisions.

How do rail and intermodal services differ, and when should each be used?

Rail moves freight efficiently for longer distances at lower per-unit costs, ideal for bulk and high-volume shipments with flexible timing. Intermodal combines rail with trucking, offering door-to-door service with greater flexibility. Intermodal suits shippers needing faster transit than pure rail while maintaining cost advantages over over-the-road trucking for medium to long distances.

What operational metrics should supply chain teams track from this report?

Key metrics include carrier capacity utilization rates, average transit times, service reliability (on-time performance), pricing indices, and equipment availability. These indicators help teams assess service risk, negotiate rates, and plan for seasonal demand spikes or capacity constraints.

How are rail and intermodal markets affected by broader economic trends?

Rail and intermodal volumes are closely tied to manufacturing output, retail demand, and international trade flows. Economic slowdowns reduce shipper demand, while supply chain regionalization and nearshoring initiatives may alter traditional intermodal lane utilization patterns and equipment positioning needs.

What role does equipment availability play in intermodal performance?

Container and chassis availability directly affects intermodal service levels and costs. Imbalances—where equipment concentrates in one region—create shortages elsewhere, forcing shippers to pay premiums or accept longer delivery windows. The report likely addresses current equipment positioning and constraints affecting transit times.

Shipping & Freight

Moderate

37th State of Logistics Report Reveals Rail/Intermodal Trends

Jul 1, 2026

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The signal

The 37th State of Logistics report from Logistics Management provides a comprehensive analysis of the rail and intermodal transportation sector, which forms a critical backbone of North American supply chain infrastructure. This periodic industry assessment examines market performance, capacity utilization, service levels, and emerging challenges within rail and intermodal operations that directly impact shippers and logistics professionals. Rail and intermodal services handle significant volumes of containerized and non-containerized freight across the continent, bridging ocean ports to inland destinations and connecting regional distribution networks.

Understanding the current state of this segment is essential for supply chain professionals planning network optimization, mode selection decisions, and capacity management strategies. The report synthesizes industry data that helps companies benchmark their transportation performance and identify operational improvements. For supply chain teams, this analysis offers insights into pricing trends, service reliability metrics, capacity constraints, and the competitive landscape between rail carriers and alternative transportation modes.

Organizations should review findings relevant to their freight profile—whether handling time-sensitive intermodal shipments or leveraging rail for cost-effective bulk transportation—to refine their modal mix strategies and carrier partnerships.

#rail-freight

#intermodal-transport

#transportation-infrastructure

#logistics-management

Frequently Asked Questions

What This Means for Your Supply Chain

Simulation Suggestion

strategic

What if rail carrier capacity tightens by 15% in Q3?

Simulate a scenario where major rail carriers reduce available intermodal container slots by 15% during peak summer shipping season, affecting origin regions in the Midwest and Southwest. Model how this impacts freight mode selection costs, expected transit times, and the ability to meet customer service level commitments.

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Simulation Suggestion

this month

What if intermodal pricing increases 8-12% due to carrier consolidation?

Evaluate the financial impact if continued carrier consolidation results in intermodal rate increases of 8-12% across major trade lanes. Model mode shift scenarios where shippers transition to over-the-road trucking, dedicated fleet options, or rail-only solutions, and assess total landed cost and service level trade-offs.

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Simulation Suggestion

immediate

What if equipment positioning delays add 2-3 days to average intermodal transit?

Model the impact of equipment imbalances that result in average intermodal transit time increases of 2-3 days due to equipment repositioning needs and availability constraints. Assess customer service level attainment, safety stock requirements, and whether expedited modes become necessary for time-sensitive shipments.

Run this scenario

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Supply Chain Simulation: A Guide for Operators

What discrete-event, agent-based, and Monte Carlo simulation actually do, in plain language for supply chain leaders.

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