US intermodal hits 2010 peak, but still off 1.9pc of 2008 high

MAJOR US railways originated 240,252 intermodal containers and trailer shipments in the week ending October 2, the second highest volume of the year following 241,167 units in the September 25 week, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR).

International traffic continues stronger than expected, since sea-going intermodal usually accounts for more than 50 per cent volume even though domestic container throughput continues to rise, AAR figures show.

North American railways increased again in that week, when AAR's Mexican reporting lines and a slight decline for Canadian railways, but staying even with freight figures posted the week before.

The late summer surge continued through September and remained high into October, reported Newark's Journal of Commerce. This is the usual peak month for consumer goods headed to retail stores ahead of Christmas sales.

While trailing 2008 by 1.9 per cent, US intermodal traffic for the October 2 week was up on 2009 by 16.5 per cent, said the report. Railways also say they continue siphon off cargo from truckers.

The AAR said the North American majors loaded 37,439 trailers in the October 2 week for a 9.2 per cent gain from the same point in 2009, while they picked up 262,889 containers that include both domestic and ocean borne cargo for a 17.8 per cent increase from a year ago. Intermodal trailer loads cannot double-stack so less can be carried per rail car.
(Source:www.schednet.com)