U.S.-flag Great Lakes carriers score better on March cargo volumes

U.S.-flag Great Lakes carriers score better on March cargo volumes       U.S.-flag Great Lakes carriers moved about 3.3 million net tons of cargo in March, more than triple the volume transported the same month a year ago.
   “While comparisons with March 2003 are problematic given the extreme ice conditions then present, this March still represents an increase in nearly 35 percent over the month’s five-year average,” said the Cleveland-based Lake Carriers’ Association in a statement.
   “For the year, U.S.-flag carriage stands at 8 million net tons, more than double the total recorded a year ago and an increase of 46 percent compared to the five-year average for the January-March timeframe,” the association added.
   Iron ore, coal and limestone shipments registered the most significant volume increases in March 2004.