Weak international demand stagnates intermodal

   Intermodal volume rose 3.2 percent in the third quarter, the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) said Monday.
   Volume grew to nearly 3.8 million units year-on-year despite signs of an economic slowdown in the quarter, IANA said.
   “Trailer volume dropped 10.7 percent, as shippers continued to move away from 45-foot and 48-foot equipment, although 53-foot trailer shipments held close to last year’s volumes, dropping only a minimal 0.2 percent year-over-year,” IANA said.
   Domestic container volume grew 11.3 percent to 1.4 million units.
   “While domestic container volume was the highlight of the quarter, international volume posted a modest 0.9 percent increase, with the Northwest and Western Canada regions recording impressive growth during Q3 of 13.8 percent and 9.1 percent respectively,” the association said.
   IANA said weak port volumes have dampened international intermodal figures.
   “The largest overall cause of modest international intermodal volume increases continues to be weak port volume, as many shippers have been unwilling to bring in substantial inven¬tories,” the association said. “Strong domestic container gains have kept overall intermodal volume growth positive, and an anticipated rebound in imports should deliver higher levels of overall intermodal performance in the coming months.” – Eric Johnson