US intermodal volume ends 2010 up 14.7%

International container volumes in the US surged 16.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010, helping to push overall intermodal volumes up by 14.7 percent for the year, according to a report released by the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA).


The report stated that the strong fourth quarter international results also helped overall 2010 international volume to increase 18.5 percent – the highest increase since IANA began reporting intermodal statistics in 1996.


After several previous quarters of decline, international intermodal volume surged every quarter of 2010, driven primarily by retailers rebuilding inventories.


Total domestic volume during the quarter was the highest ever recorded by IANA, topping 1.6 million loads, helping make 2010 the best growth year for overall domestic business since IANA started reporting intermodal statistics.


Domestic container growth was up 8.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010, ending the year 13.3 percent above 2009 figures. This increase followed a seven percent gain in 2008 and 2.9 percent growth in 2009. Unlike international volumes, domestic container volumes never declined during the recent recession.
(Source:http://www.cargonewsasia.com)