What is Intermodal?

The Power of the North American Intermodal Industry

Intermodal is the movement of cargo in shipping containers or trailers by more than one mode of transportation. Globally, 95% of all manufactured goods at one point are moved in a container.

$55 Billion

annual revenue generated

Who Makes It Move

  • 76 Million

    loaded TEUs
    handled annually

  • 212,000

    loaded TEUs
    handled each day

  • 31 Million

    TEUs is the container
    vessel capacity of carriers

  • 24,346

    TEUs can be carried on
    the largest container
    ship today

  • 488,610

    Drivers registered in
    IANA’s IDD

  • 12,879

    motor carriers in
    IANA’s UIIA

  • 102 Million

    drayage moves
    annually

  • $28.7 Billion

    estimated drayage
    market annual revenue

  • 18 Million

    loads moved by rail
    annually

  • 6

    Class I railroads

  • $19.7 Billion

    intermodal-related
    revenues generated by
    Intermodal Marketing
    Companies (IMCs)

  • 2 Million

    containers service
    intermodal network

  • 714,504

    chassis registered in
    IANA’s GIER

  • 350

    marine and inland
    intermodal terminals

  • 60,000

    containers/trailers
    transported on a typical day

Why It Works

Environmental Stewardship

  • Fuel conservation

  • Fewer heavy trucks on highways

Cargo Security

  • Freight Loss

  • Freight Damage

  • Theft

Savings

  • In avoided highway maintenance costs

  • In shipping costs

Visibility

  • Interconnected network across supply chain

What's In The Containers

INDUSTRIAL AND BULK GOODS

Chemicals, machinery, auto parts, engines, plastics and metals

CONSUMER GOODS

Electronics, toys, appliances, furniture, footwear, clothes and textiles

AGRICULTURAL GOODS

Grain, lumber, paper products, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, beverages, refrigerated meats, and seafood

2025 PARTNERS

A special thank you to our premium level partners for your continued support.