What is the ITS Logistics Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index?

The ITS Logistics freight index is a monthly performance metric that tracks freight volumes and throughput at U.S. ports and rail ramp facilities. It measures intermodal freight activity, providing logistics professionals with real-time insights into capacity utilization, demand trends, and operational efficiency across key distribution points.

Why is the June freight index data important for supply chain planning?

June data helps supply chain teams assess demand momentum heading into the peak summer season. The index reveals whether freight volumes are strengthening, plateauing, or declining, enabling managers to adjust procurement schedules, carrier capacity reservations, and inventory positioning accordingly.

How do port and rail ramp metrics differ in the index?

Port metrics track ocean freight throughput and containerized cargo handling, while rail ramp data measures intermodal rail activity, including containers being loaded or unloaded at rail transfer facilities. Together, they provide a comprehensive view of multimodal freight movement across the supply chain.

What operational decisions can logistics teams make based on this index?

Teams use freight indices to forecast carrier demand, optimize equipment positioning, adjust driver scheduling, and refine routing strategies. Rising indices may signal the need for increased carrier capacity; falling indices may indicate opportunities to reduce contracted capacity and lower transportation costs.

How does this June index relate to broader economic trends?

Freight index movements often precede broader economic indicators. Rising port and rail ramp activity typically signals manufacturing growth, retail restocking, and consumer demand acceleration, making the index valuable for supply chain professionals monitoring macroeconomic headwinds and tailwinds.

Demand Planning

Moderate

ITS Logistics June Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index Released

Jun 12, 2026

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The signal

ITS Logistics has published its monthly freight index report focusing on port and rail ramp activity for June, a key performance indicator tracked by supply chain professionals to gauge freight movement trends and capacity utilization across North American intermodal networks. This index serves as a leading indicator of economic activity and freight demand, helping logistics managers anticipate volume fluctuations and adjust operations accordingly. The publication of monthly freight indices by third-party logistics providers like ITS Logistics provides critical benchmarking data for the supply chain community.

These metrics track real-time freight throughput at distribution points, offering visibility into whether demand is accelerating, stabilizing, or contracting across key trade lanes and transportation modes. For supply chain teams, this data informs decisions around driver scheduling, equipment positioning, and capacity reservation. S.

logistics networks are processing elevated volumes ahead of mid-year demand peaks. Monitoring indices like ITS's rail and port ramp data helps logistics managers identify emerging bottlenecks, adjust sourcing strategies, and optimize routing decisions before capacity constraints become critical. The index also signals broader macroeconomic trends—sustained freight growth typically correlates with retail restocking cycles and manufacturing expansion.

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