U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters post weak November volumes

A total of 7.9 million tons of cargo were transported by U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters in November, which carried 79.8 million tons of cargo during the first 11 months of 2015, year-over-year declines of 15 percent and 1 percent, respectively.    U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters transported 7.9 million tons of cargo in November, a 15 percent drop from November 2014, according to the Lakes Carriers’ Association, which represents 15 American companies that operate 56 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes.
   Iron ore volumes carried by U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters during the month tumbled 22 percent year-over-year. In addition, U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters experienced year-over-year declines in coal and limestone volumes transported in November of 16 percent and 5 percent, respectively.
   Overall, U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters transported 79.8 million tons of cargo during the first 11 months of 2015, a 1 percent decrease from the corresponding period in 2014.  
   Although iron ore volumes from U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters during the first 11 months of the year fell 8 percent year-over-year, coal and limestone volumes rose 4 percent and 8 percent, respectively.