Intermodal volume on international routes soared by double digits in 2024, with some lanes rising more than 30% out of West Coast ports compared to 2023. Despite the increased demand, there were no major service disruptions, chassis shortages, or spillover lots required at inland rail hubs. Additionally, no vessels were anchored outside Los Angeles or Long Beach. Delays did occur in transferring containers from ships to trains, however, and Southern California rail container dwell times hit two-year highs in September. Tacoma, Washington, also experienced multiple service disruptions due to surging volumes. So what went right — and what didn’t — in the communication among ocean carriers, terminal operators, and railroads during this period of heightened demand? This session will explore reasonable and unreasonable expectations shippers should have of their ocean carriers, terminal operators, and railroads in the handoff of containers, while delivering actionable insights that help shippers set their strategy for the next wave of intermodal demand.