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May 2025 Intermodal Spot Rates: A Market-by-Market Breakdown
In May 2025, intermodal spot rate trends varied across the major U.S. markets.
Atlanta led with a notable 12.59% month-over-month increase, reaching $3.23 per mile—its highest point this year. Chicago also saw an upswing, climbing 23.99% to $3.18 per mile, signaling a rebound from previous months. Meanwhile, Los Angeles held steady, with a 2.29% increase to $4.02 per mile and a 13.56% gain year-over-year, maintaining its position as the highest-priced region. These shifts reflect growing demand and operational consistency heading into the summer months.
Atlanta Rates Continue to Climb, Up 7% Month-over-Month
Atlanta’s intermodal spot rates rose again in May 2025, averaging $4.35 per mile, a 7.14% increase over April’s $4.06. The upward momentum continues, with the 3-month rolling average climbing to $4.033, a 2.54% increase from April. Year-over-year, rates are up a strong 16% compared to May 2024’s $3.75, showing sustained demand and pricing power in the region. Atlanta remains one of the most consistent and high-performing intermodal markets so far this year.
Chicago Rates Up 11%, Rolling Average Sees Double-Digit Growth
Chicago’s intermodal spot rates climbed to $3.54 per mile in May 2025, marking an 11.32% increase over April’s $3.18. The 3-month rolling average increased by 17.17%, reaching $3.003, up from $2.563 the previous month, indicating a broader trend of recovery in the region. On a year-over-year basis, rates are up 25.53% from May 2024’s $2.82, showing strong demand growth and continued pricing strength in the Midwest.
Los Angeles Rates Hold Steady, Up 13.6% Year-over-Year
Los Angeles intermodal spot rates in May 2025 averaged $4.02 per mile, a 2.29% increase from April’s $3.93. The 3-month rolling average ticked up slightly to $3.893, a 0.59% increase over the previous month. Compared to May 2024’s $3.54, rates are up 13.56% year-over-year, underscoring LA’s continued strength as one of the highest-priced intermodal markets in the country.
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