SONAR Rate Intelligence adds intermodal rates with 21.1% savings estimate

In October 2026, SONAR Rate Intelligence added intermodal contract and spot rates plus a conversion savings tool that shows truckload-to-intermodal savings averaging 21.1% per load. On the Chicago-to-Elizabeth, New Jersey lane, the tool estimates a saving of roughly $593 per load when shifting from van to intermodal.

Users can select intermodal as an equipment type or drill into it from any van lane to view contract and spot rates, resolved ramps, and rate trends. The conversion savings feature calculates estimated savings per load, total lane savings, intermodal volume, and conversion potential, allowing users to input their own rates and annual volume. Data includes intermodal contract rates, spot rates on covered corridors, rate and volume trends over the last 12 months, and suggested in‑gate and out‑gate ramps with distances from origin and destination.

What we know

• SONAR Rate Intelligence added intermodal rates in October 2026

• On the Chicago-to-Elizabeth lane, intermodal contract pricing is 21.1% below van contract, saving about $593 per load

• The intermodal contract rate of $2,220 falls within a $2,075‑$2,435 range based on 46 observations over a 41‑day lookback

• The lane is supported by 283 domestic intermodal containers and has a high conversion potential

• Intermodal contract rates have risen 11.55% year over year