IANA

In its “Intermodal Quarterly,” IANA reported that total first quarter intermodal volume, at 4,286,600 units, rose 8.8% annually, growing for the second consecutive quarter, following eight straight quarters of annual declines.

Total March volume, at 1,464,782 units, increased 6.7% annually, below February’s 14.6% annual increase, while topping November, December, and January, which saw gains of 3.8%, 6.4%, and 5.5%, respectively.   

Total February volume, at 1,431,368 units, was up 14.6% annually, well ahead of the previous three months of gains, for November, December, and January, at 3.8%, 6.4%, and 5.5%, respectively.   

Total January volume, at 1,390,450 units, rose 5.5% annually, trailing December’s 6.4% annual gain and topping November’s 3.8% annual gain. This three-month stretch of annual monthly gains was preceded by a series of slimming sequential, annual declines, with October down 0.4% and 4.0%, 7.5% and 9.8% annual declines, in September, August and July, respectively.

IANA reported that total fourth quarter intermodal volume, at 4,367,940 units, rose 3.1% annually, marking the first time there has been annual growth in the past nine quarters. Full-year 2023 intermodal volume, at 16,669,980 units, was off 5.9% annually.

Total December volume, at 1,410,345 units, was up 6.4% annually, posting annual growth for the second consecutive month, following November’s 3.8% annual increase. For all of 2023, total intermodal volume came in at 16,669,980 units, for a 5.9% annual decrease.

Following the issuance of the final rule for determining independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act by the United States Department of Labor earlier this week, the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) became the most recent industry organization to express its disdain for the new rule.

Our annual gathering of freight transportation industry analysts reveals that the cycle of rate and capacity fluctuations continue their age-old volatility, but in a more muted fashion. Here’s a look at the elements that have ushered in this current malaise.

Total November volume, at 1,442,394 units, were up 3.8% annually, snapping a stretch of slimming sequential, annual declines, with October down 0.4% and 4.0%, 7.5% and 9.8% annual declines, in September, August and July, respectively.

On December 18, CBP said that it is continuing to surge all available resources to safely process migrants in response to increased levels of migrant encounters at the Southwest Border, fueled by smugglers peddling disinformation to prey on vulnerable individuals.

Total October volume, at 1,515,201 units, fell a mere 0.4% annually, continuing a trend of slimming sequential declines, following 4.0%, 7.5% and 9.8% annual declines, in September, August and July, respectively.

Total third quarter volume, at 4,213,559, fell 7.1% annually. While volumes were off again annually, they rose on a sequential basis, topping the second quarter, which came in at 4,148,328 units.

Total September volume, at 1,410,278 units, was off 4.0% annually, continuing a trend of slimming sequential declines, following 7.5% and 9.8% annual declines, in August and July, respectively.

Total August volume, at 1,463,123 units, decreased 7.5% annually, faring better than the 9.8% annual decrease seen in July.

Total July volume, at 1,340,158 units, were off 9.8% annually, faring worse than June and May decreases, at -7.1% and -8.8%, respectively. Domestic containers, at 649,218, were down 1.9%. Trailers, at 56,422, saw a 19.9% annual decline. And all domestic equipment, which is comprised of trailers and domestic containers, totaled 705,640, for a 3.6% annual decrease. ISO, or international, containers, dropped 15.7%, to 634,518.