U.S.-flag Great Lakes cargo rises 6% in August

U.S.-flag Great Lakes cargo rises 6% in August U.S.-flag vessels operating on the Great Lakes carried 12.02 million net tons in August, up 6 percent compared to the same month last year.
   The Lake Carriers' Association, which represents 16 American companies operating 63 U.S.-flag vessels, said higher water levels in August allowed some vessels to at least be within striking distance of full loads. However, the association warned that water levels normally begin to drop in the fall, so capacity will be negated in the coming months due to lack of adequate dredging.
   For the year, U.S.-flag Great Lakes carriage stands at 63.1 million tons, a slight increase of 0.6 percent from the same period in 2007.