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Intermodal spot rates across Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles moved in different directions in March 2025, highlighting continued regional variability in pricing trends. Chicago posted a slight month-over-month increase, but its 3-month rolling average dropped sharply, signaling broader weakness. Atlanta saw a nearly 9% dip in monthly rates, yet maintained year-over-year growth, pointing to ongoing demand stability. Meanwhile, Los Angeles experienced its second consecutive decline, with both monthly and rolling averages falling, though rates remain higher than last year. These shifts reflect a market that is still adjusting post-peak, with regional performance diverging amid changing demand and capacity patterns.

Chicago Rates Edge Up, But Rolling Average Falls Nearly 17%

Chicago’s intermodal spot rates in March 2025 rose slightly to $2.29 per mile, a 3.15% increase from February’s $2.22. While this modest bump signals short-term improvement, broader trends remain mixed. The 3-month rolling average dropped by 16.72%, falling from $3.09 in February to $2.57 in March, showing that March’s rate increase wasn’t enough to offset previous months’ declines. On a year-over-year basis, rates are still down 11.92% compared to March 2024’s $2.60 per mile, pointing to continued pressure in the region. Chicago’s pricing shows signs of life but still lags behind where it stood a year ago.

Atlanta Rates Dip Nearly 9%, But Hold Steady Year-Over-Year

Atlanta’s intermodal spot rates declined in March 2025, averaging $3.69 per mile, an 8.89% decrease from February’s $4.05. Despite the month-over-month drop, pricing remained relatively stable in a broader context. The 3-month rolling average dipped slightly by 0.18%, from $3.79 in February to $3.79 in March, reflecting a leveling-off rather than a sharp correction. On a year-over-year basis, rates are up 1.65% from March 2024’s $3.63 per mile, showing that demand in the region remains solid. While pricing softened this month, Atlanta continues to show consistency in a shifting market.

LA Rates Drop 5.6%, Rolling Average Falls for Second Month

Los Angeles’ intermodal spot rates averaged $3.73 per mile in March 2025, a 5.57% decline from February’s $3.95. This marks the second consecutive monthly decrease for the region. The 3-month rolling average fell 6.50%, from $4.25 in February to $3.98 in March, indicating a broader cooling trend in LA’s pricing environment. However, year-over-year, rates are still up 2.47% from March 2024’s $3.64 per mile, suggesting that long-term demand remains relatively healthy. While Los Angeles continues to lead in overall rate levels, recent declines hint at a possible recalibration in the market.