ITS Logistics June Index: Drayage & Intermodal Prices Set to Surge

The ITS Logistics June freight index has issued a warning that drayage and intermodal transportation markets are poised for significant price increases in the near term. This forward-looking indicator suggests that cost pressures building in upstream segments of the supply chain—particularly in port operations and container repositioning—will cascade into higher rates for shippers relying on these critical middle-mile services. The index serves as an early signal for procurement and logistics teams to adjust budgets and renegotiate contracts before rates move higher.

For supply chain professionals, this development carries immediate operational implications. Drayage and intermodal services are foundational to most domestic distribution networks, especially for companies managing port-to-inland transfers and cross-country freight consolidation. A sustained price increase in these segments directly impacts landed costs for imported goods and the economics of inland distribution strategies.

The warning also suggests market tightness—either in equipment availability, driver capacity, or terminal throughput—that could affect service reliability alongside pricing. Organizations should use this signal to accelerate contract negotiations with carriers, explore alternative routing or consolidation strategies, and update demand planning assumptions to reflect higher transportation costs. Early action may yield better rate protection than waiting for the increases to materialize.