Weather delays impact Great Lakes U.S.-flag movement

   The Lake Carriers’ Association announced yesterday that U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters experienced a decrease of 4.7 percent in dry-bulk cargo compared to a year ago, with weather delays being the key factor in the decreases. 
   The total tonnage was 8.7-percent below November’s long-term average and down 11.2 percent from the 9.8 million tons the fleet moved in October. 
   U.S.-flag lakers moved 3.8 million tons of iron ore in November, 68.2 percent of all ore moving on the Lakes/Seaway that month. The 3.8 million tons represent an 8.5-percent decrease from a year ago, and a 10.1-percent decrease compared to November’s long-term average.
   Coal shipments in U.S. hulls totaled 2.2 million tons in November, a slight decrease from a year ago, and 8.3-percent below the month’s long-term average. The 2.3 million tons of limestone hauled by U.S.-flag lakers in November represented a slight increase over a year ago, but fell short of the month’s long-term average by 5.5 percent.
   Through November, the U.S.-flag float stands at 82 million tons, a marginal increase compared to a year ago. Iron ore and limestone are slightly behind last year’s pace, but coal cargoes have increased by 3.8 percent.