Inland Cost Monitoring – March 2018

2018-03-30

For February 2018, the CASS Index, which is being used to monitor and evaluate U.S. Inland rates monthly, reflected an average of 131.3 for Truckload and 137.9 for Intermodal (rail). This is a slight drop (less than 1%) over the previously established baseline of 132.5 for Truckload and a more significant 2.5% drop over the previously established baseline of 141.4 for Intermodal (rail). As a result, tariff and contract Intermodal (rail) rates will decrease by 2.5% effective May 1, 2018. The Truckload rates will not change since the February baseline decrease was less than 2%. The CASS Indexes can be found here. 

Additionally, for the same period, the Department of Energy’s retail on-highway diesel prices all types index monthly average, which is being used to determine the Intermodal Fuel Charge, was $3.046. Therefore, the Intermodal Fuel Percentage will be increased from 23.5% to 24%, effective May 1, 2018. The requirements and index history are available here.

The next review is set for April 2018 after which an appropriate adjustment will be made if necessary.