CSX Corp (NASDAQ:CSX) reported better-than-expected results for the second quarter of 2026, thanks to strong intermodal demand.
More containers moved by rail rather than truck, along with steady pricing, which helped CSX reach a record revenue of $3.94 billion
The strong revenue growth indicates that cross-modal shipping volume remains an important aspect of the company’s growth metrics. The company is increasingly capitalizing on shippers’ search for cheaper, more fuel-efficient ways to move goods. CSX’s intermodal volume increased 9% year over year to 792,000 units, helped by domestic customer wins, new services, infrastructure investments, and tightening trucking capacity.
Rising shipping volumes indicate that freight demand is strong. Some shipments are still moving from long-haul trucking to rail as companies look to save on costs and use fuel more efficiently. While multimodal shipping often results in less revenue per shipment, its large volumes can still lift earnings.