With rates consistently up in 2026, many consider a freight recovery well underway. But Michigan State University Professor of Logistics Dr. Jason Miller says freight volume is largely dependent on one thing - the AI boom (and the data center construction to support it).

On this episode of The Intermodal Logistics Podcast, Dr. Miller returns to discuss just how AI is helping shipping demand, and how long he sees that continuing. He goes over what else could fill the gap if AI slows down, with concerns about both the housing market and consumer spending picking up the slack.

With diesel elevated once again, Dr. Miller explains why the supply is in far worse shape than it was when prices initially jumped at the outset of the Iran attacks. And he tells us where he expects pricing to go moving forward, as well as levers countries like China and Canada have to pull related to energy.

On capacity, Jason tells us how the trucking market is responding to the higher rate environment with new equipment, and he shares why he's less concerned about the number of drivers out there to operate trucks going forward as others are. Regardless though, with capacity tight and truck rates (as well as diesel) high, Dr. Miller says the case for intermodal conversion is stronger than ever.

Get more of Dr. Miller's analysis on LinkedIn, where he routinely offers his thoughts on economic indicators and the freight market. And learn more about his program at MSU's Broad College of Business Department of Supply Chain Management.

As for our podcast, subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes as soon as they're out, and please do rate and review us. Have a question? Contact us at podcast@inteklogistics.com. And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.