Intermodal posts 8.8 percent growth in 4Q

Intermodal posts 8.8 percent growth in 4Q    Intermodal freight transportation continues to gain popularity, as volumes in the fourth quarter of 2003 were the highest recorded by railroads in five years. Trailer and container moves by rail grew 8.8 percent compared to the same period in 2002, according to the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA).
   Volume rose for each of the top seven intermodal corridors, led by the Southeast-Southwest corridor with an 18.4 percent gain, the Midwest-Southwest up 17.2 percent and the South central-Southwest corridor with a 15.6 percent gain. Growth was slower on the Northeast-Midwest (8.9 percent), Trans-Canada (6.3 percent) and Southeast-Midwest (5.7 percent) corridors.
   Intermodal volume has grown for seven consecutive quarters, a trend that is expected to continue in 2004 as the U.S. economy improves, IANA said.
   The Association of American Railroads reported intermodal volume was up 5.8 percent during the first five weeks of 2004, to 980,712 pieces of equipment moved compared to the first five weeks of 2003.