What does the ITS Logistics freight index measure?

The index tracks freight volume and activity at US port facilities and rail ramps on a monthly basis. It serves as a real-time operational indicator of intermodal freight movement and capacity utilization across key nodes in the North American supply chain.

Why is February freight data important for supply chain planning?

February represents a transition period between post-holiday demand normalization and spring peak season. This data helps supply chain teams anticipate inventory flows, adjust transportation capacity, and plan labor scheduling for the remainder of Q1 and into Q2.

How should supply chain teams use this index in their planning?

Teams should compare February readings against historical trends and concurrent market indicators to inform mode selection, dock scheduling, and supplier lead time assumptions. Rising freight indices signal tightening capacity and may warrant premium transportation strategies or expedited booking.

What sectors are most affected by port and rail ramp freight trends?

Retail, manufacturing, agriculture, and consumer goods are highly sensitive to port and rail ramp metrics because these channels represent major pathways for imported goods, domestic distribution, and export flows. Rising or falling activity directly impacts inventory velocity and distribution costs.

How does this index relate to broader supply chain resilience?

Freight indices provide early warning signals of bottlenecks or capacity constraints at critical infrastructure points. Monitoring these trends allows supply chain teams to proactively diversify routing, adjust inventory positioning, or negotiate carrier capacity before disruptions occur.

Demand Planning

Moderate

ITS Logistics February Freight Index Shows Port/Rail Ramp Activity

Aug 9, 2026

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The signal

ITS Logistics has released its February freight index covering US port and rail ramp operations, providing supply chain professionals with a critical snapshot of intermodal freight activity during the winter season. This monthly index tracks the volume and velocity of freight moving through key port facilities and rail ramps, serving as a leading indicator for demand patterns and operational capacity utilization. The February data helps logistics and supply chain teams assess seasonal trends and plan for spring demand increases.

Freight indices like ITS Logistics's are essential benchmarking tools for the supply chain community because they aggregate real operational data across multiple nodes in the transportation network. Rather than relying on individual company forecasts or broad economic indicators, these indices provide empirical evidence of what is actually moving through ports and rail intermodal facilities—the arterial points in US freight distribution. February readings are particularly relevant as shippers prepare for Q1 inventory replenishment and navigate post-holiday demand normalization.

For supply chain professionals, tracking monthly freight indices informs capacity reservations, mode selection decisions, and labor scheduling at distribution centers and transload facilities. Understanding port and rail ramp utilization trends also helps teams anticipate congestion windows, optimize dock appointments, and adjust supplier lead time expectations. This data point is part of a broader suite of logistics KPIs that should inform quarterly supply chain planning cycles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What This Means for Your Supply Chain

Simulation Suggestion

this month

What if port ramp freight volume increases 15% month-over-month?

Simulate a 15% increase in port ramp freight volume in March compared to February baseline. Model the impact on dock appointment availability, intermodal dwell times, and transportation costs for shippers using these facilities. Assess whether current labor staffing and equipment at port terminals would be sufficient to handle the surge.

Run this scenario

Simulation Suggestion

this week

What if rail ramp congestion extends average dwell time by 2 days?

Model a scenario where elevated freight volumes at rail ramps cause average container dwell time to increase from current levels by 2 business days. Evaluate the ripple effect on inventory carrying costs, supplier lead time variability, and the need for alternative routing through different rail gateways.

Run this scenario

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Supply Chain Simulation: A Guide for Operators

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