A strong showing of international growth bolstered declines in domestic figures to boost first quarter 2005 intermodal volume 6.7%, according to Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics, a quarterly publication of the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA). This growth signifies 12 continuous quarterly gains in overall intermodal volume — another IANA record. All nine regions that IANA tracks saw improved international volume, with seven regions posting dramatic double-digit gains.
While international growth was strong (the third-best international growth quarter ever posted), domestic results were down amid reports of slowing factory output and improved truckload capacity. This was domestic's first negative quarter since 2003, and the largest decline since the 2001 recession.
Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics is produced quarterly by IANA and is available on a subscription and individual copy basis. For subscription information, e-mail Melka Johnson at [email protected] or phone 301-982-3400 (ext 351).