The Big Get Bigger.(Schneider National Inc.)

BYLINE: John Gallagher

A sputtering domestic intermodal market is turning into an opportunity for asset-backed companies like Schneider National to grow their business. 

The freight transportation industry received a wake-up call during the third quarter when the traditional peak shipping season turned out to be nothing more than a bump. While overall intermodal volumes continued at a record pace, domestic numbers were down 0.5 percent.

With manufacturing starting to slow along with the once red-hot economy, those intermodal players that have invested in equipment will likely be the ones with enough flexibility to weather a long-term drought.

"The domestic market has been flat for the last two years, and that's our …