U.S.-flag lakes cargo volume up in November

Lakers moved 6.2 percent more dry-bulk cargo last month compared to November 2014.    According to figures released by the Lake Carriers’ Association, U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters moved 9.3 million tons of dry-bulk cargo in November, an increase of 6.2 percent compared to the same time period last year. 
   The fleet’s year-to-date total of 80.5 million tons, however, remains nearly 2 percent behind last year’s volumes due to cargo shortfalls suffered when glacial ice packed the shipping lanes this past winter and spring. 
   Iron ore for the steel industry totaled 4.6 million tons in November, an increase of 22.4 percent compared to a year ago, meaning that year-to-date totals have surpassed 2013’s end-of-November tally by 350,000 tons.
   Coal cargo, on the other hand, has decreased 16.6 percent compared to last year, totaling 1.9 million tons, while limestone cargo increased by 45,000 tons.