US Q3 intermodal traffic up almost 5%

Domestic container volume continued to lead that growth, posting a year-on-year increase of 9.4%, and combined with a 1.2% boost in international trailer volume for the same period, all domestic equipment experienced 7.6% year-on-year gains during the third quarter.

The IANA said that a slight uptick in international volume, which posted a 2% third-quarter gain compared with 2012, also contributed to the increase, adding that if jobs, consumer spending and/or the broader economy accelerate, a slow but steady growth trend is likely for the international market.

Joni Casey, president and CEO of IANA, said: “For the tenth quarter in a row, domestic container volume flexed its muscles and has outpaced international shipments driving the gains in total intermodal traffic. It is also worth noting that the trailer segment grew in all three months of Q3, reversing three years of decline and contributing to domestic growth.”