Cass Index Rises 3.6% in June

Cass said that with demand improving and capacity remaining extraordinarily tight, it expects contract rate increases will continue to filter into its index at higher levels.

Total intermodal costs fell 2.8% year-over-year in June — the sixth straight month of year-over-year declines.

While the Cass Truckload Index does not take fuel into account, Cass said that as lower fuel surcharges continue to affect the cost of truckload shipping, many loads are shifting from intermodal to truckload. However, Cass said, intermodal rates typically mirror changes in fuel and remain competitive. Additionally, efforts to shift modes continue to be challenged by limited capacity.