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The content below is for intermodal freight brokers interested in utilizing the DrayNow spot market. For brokers interested in securing intermodal drayage service for their recurring lanes, please feel free to reach out to us via contact form.

Check out last month’s data on intermodal spot rates in our key markets.

For the month of March, intermodal spot rates on the DrayNow platform did not see too much change compared to the prior month, with the exception of Chicago. Spot rates for intermodal drayage have decreased 16% in Chicago, 2% in Atlanta while rising 2% in Los Angeles.

Spot rates in the LA market are up 2% month-over-month. This is the first time that spot rates in Los Angeles have gone up month-over-month since September. They are also back above the cost to move freight in Atlanta, but just barely. Compared to March 2023, spot rates in Los Angeles are up 6%.

Intermodal spot rates in the Chicago market decreased 16% since February. This sharp drop in rates brings the average intermodal spot rate in this market to its lowest point for the year, but this is still higher than last year’s low point. The cost to move intermodal freight in Chicago is down 20% compared to March 2023.

Following last month’s increase in the average spot rate, Atlanta intermodal spot rates are down 2%. As stated earlier, spot rates here have dropped below Los Angeles rates. Comparatively, the cost to move freight here is still higher than any point last year. And when compared to the same time last year, intermodal spot rates are up 3% in this market.

Two things of note from the data emerging from March: Los Angeles rates have finally seen a month-over-month increase and the cost to move freight in Los Angeles is back above the cost in Atlanta. This signals that rates for spot moves in the Los Angeles area are starting to become more competitive compared to the past several months. However, rates are still lower than most of last year.