Intermodal Makes Gains in Q1

Total intermodal volumes rose 8.8% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2024, according to the Intermodal Association of North America.

International containers added 18%, domestic containers improved 3.4%, while trailers fell 24.8% in the quarter. 

“International volume growth was the driver for continuing intermodal industry gains in the first quarter,” said Joni Casey, CEO of IANA, in a statement. “Consumer spending provided a basis for definitive import increases.” 

All but one of the seven highest-density trade corridors, which collectively handled more than 60% of total volume, were up.

Regional information is as follows:

• The South Central-Southwest up 25.9%
• Southeast-Southwest up 19.1%.
• Midwest-Southwest up 15.4%
• Northeast-Midwest up 10.8%
• Intra-Southeast up 10.2%
• The Trans-Canada up 2.7%, while the
•  Midwest-Northwest was down 3.1%.

Total IMC volume fell 0.4% year-over-year in Q1, with intermodal traffic down 3.6% and highway loads in positive territory by 1.6%.