The Middle Mile: Where Hidden Costs Emerge—And Where Intermodal Delivers Savings
The CNBC article “Tariff-driven price hikes may be hidden by products stuck in ‘the middle mile’” highlights a reality we see every day: supply chain decisions are no longer just line items—they’re boardroom conversations.
With tariffs, earlier-than-usual peak season imports, and tightening warehouse space, companies are carrying heavier costs in the middle mile. Whether or not these costs reach the consumer, they are impacting margins and competitiveness today.
At STG Logistics, we believe the answer isn’t only in how freight enters the U.S.—but how it moves across it.
👉 Intermodal offers a strategic way to reduce total landed cost.
By shifting long-haul freight from truck to rail for the middle mile, companies can:
– Lower transportation spend
– Mitigate fuel and driver cost volatility
– Free up capacity for the final mile where speed and precision matter most
– Create a more sustainable, resilient supply chain
As retailers and importers navigate tariff uncertainty, optimizing mode mix is one of the most effective levers to balance cost, service, and agility.
The supply chain will always be dynamic—but strategies like intermodal can give businesses control where it matters: reducing hidden costs before they hit the customer.
STG Logistics is proud to partner with shippers/importers who are turning uncertainty into opportunity by making smarter middle-mile choices.
Learn more: https://www.stgusa.com/services/intermodal/
