ITS Logistics June Freight Index Forecasts Congestion
Analysis based on 8 articles · First reported Jun 11, 2026 · Last updated Jun 12, 2026
The market is expected to see significant price increases in ocean and rail container drayage, impacting shippers and potentially leading to higher consumer costs. The elevated tension in the U.S. transportation ecosystem, driven by capacity exits, rising fuel costs, and increased demand, suggests a challenging peak shipping season for companies like ITS Logistics and BF Global Logistics.
ITS Logistics, an BF Global Logistics company, released its June U.S. Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index, indicating elevated concerns across all regions for the upcoming 2026 peak shipping season. The report highlights that capacity exits, rising fuel costs, and increased demand are positioning ocean and rail container drayage markets for downstream congestion and price increases. Paul Brashier, Vice President of Global Supply Chain for ITS Logistics, emphasized that inland trucking container haulage rates are expected to increase. The U.S. transportation ecosystem is operating at tension levels not seen since the COVID era, with trucking rates breaking through previous records. Sonar's National Truckload Index reached an all-time high of $3.83 per mile, and fuel prices are 50% higher than June 2025. Regulatory enforcement is also shrinking capacity. Shippers are shifting freight from truckload to rail, leading to increased intermodal volumes and potential ramp congestion. Descartes Systems Group's May Global Shipping Report showed a 6.6% increase in U.S. containerized imports from April, with China-origin imports rebounding sharply. Imports to the Gulf Coast also saw significant increases, suggesting confidence in a traditional peak season.
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