A new report from the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) found that total intermodal volumes fell 8.6%year-over-year in the first quarter of 2023.
All segments showed declines: domestic containers,-5.8%; international containers, 8.8%; and trailers, 28.8%.
“Falling consumer demand for goods and related import declines have impacted intermodal volumes,” said Joni Casey, CEO of IANA, in a statement. “Conversely, network fluidity and equipment availability continue to recover, so we are well-positioned for growth over the ensuing months.”
The seven highest-density trade corridors, which collectively handled more than 60% of total volume, were all down in the first quarter.
Other corridors deficits are as follows:
- South Central-Southwest-- 19.2%
- Southeast-Southwest -- 16%
- Midwest-Southwest -- 9.2%
- Midwest-Northwest -- 7.8%
- Northeast-Midwest -- 7.8%
- Intra-Southeast -- 5.4%
- Trans-Canada corridor-- 1.2%
Total IMC volume fell 34.8% year-over-year in Q1, with intermodal traffic down 17.7% and highway loads down 43.5%.
