Intermodal first quarter volumes up 8.4%

Intermodal first quarter volumes up 8.4%    Intermodal rail volumes in the first quarter of 2010 were 3.02 million trailers and containers, 8.4 percent higher than in the same 2009 period, according to the International Association of North America.
   The group said international container volumes grew 7,8 percent to 1.6 million; domestic container volumes grew 15.7 percent to 1.03 million, and trailer volumes fell 5.9 percent to 383,364.
   IATA said volume picked up later in the quarter. Although total intermodal volume was flat in January compared to 2009, by March total intermodal volume was 16.7 percent higher than last year. All regions recorded total intermodal volume growth greater than 6 percent during the quarter, except the Southwest region, which experienced only a 2.8 percent increase.
   “With the first quarter off to a strong start, and the emerging economic recovery, continued strong service levels, growing domestic container fleets, and rising fuel prices, intermodal appears poised for a strong rebound in 2010,” the group said.