Intermodal traffic on America’s railroads is expected to top 12 million containers and trailers this year, the American Association of Railroads reported. That would mark only the second time in history the mark has been reached, according to the AAR.

What’s more? “Intermodal tonnage” is expected to increase 73 percent by 2018.

The number of intermodal containers and trailers on America’s railroads has increased from 3.1 million in 1980 to nearly 12.3 million, according to AAR statistics.

Intermodal trains will also play a role in shipping this Christmas.

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