The use of intermodal rail in the United States and Canada has been on a steady increase as shippers and manufacturers are finding that competing full load trucking rates are not going to be coming down anytime soon if at all. It seems like the term cheap freight is a thing of the past says industry experts across the board. Over the road (OTR) trucking is still the preferred method of shipping for many shippers but the use of intermodal rail is slowly creeping up as the reality of higher prices, tight capacity and increasing freight supply are making $2.00 and even $3.00 per mile the new normal in many parts of the country. As the cost of over the road shipping (OTR) has increased by 50% or more the use of intermodal rail is certainly attractive if not a necessity for many businesses, shippers and manufacturers alike.