Q2 intermodal volumes decline, at a slower rate, reports IANA

Second quarter intermodal volumes were largely down, according to the most recent edition of the Intermodal Quarterly report, which was issued by the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA).

For the second quarter, IANA reported that total intermodal volume—at 4,630,400—is down 4.3% annually. Domestic containers—at 2,098,606—are up 4.0%, and trailers—at 230,177—are down 25.2%. All domestic equipment (comprised of trailers and domestic containers)—at 2,328,783—is up 0.2%. ISO containers are down 8.4%, to 2,301,617.

The 4.3% annual decline, for the second quarter, followed a 6.6% first quarter decline and a 9.8% annual decline, for the fourth quarter of 2021. But even with an annual decline, IANA said that the slow start to 2022, as evidenced by first quarter volumes, due largely to a resurgence of positive Covid cases in January, saw second quarter volumes top first quarter volumes by 7.4%, for its second-largest sequential growth rate over the last seven years, ahead of the 2015 first quarter by 20%.

IANA observed that the 25.2% decline for trailers almost doubled the 12.8% annual decline seen in the first quarter, while declining for the fourth consecutive quarter. What’s more, it added that trailers’ share of total intermodal traffic—at 5%—dropped to a new low. Addressing ISO containers, it noted that the 8.4% annual decline represented an improvement compared to the first quarter’s much steeper 15.5% annual decline. And ISO containers, while declining, paced all categories, following the previous two quarters, which are the only two quarters on record in which IANA said “the absolute number of domestic containers exceeded international.”

Looking at ISO container volume levels, IANA President and CEO Joni Casey explained that ISO container volumes were flat, or dropped, in the second half of last year.

“This would normally position international well for the second half of this year based on annual comparisons, but the segment faces potential crosswinds such as: continued port congestion, COVID lockdowns in China, and chassis supplies,” said Casey. “The absolute international container volumes actually did surpass domestic container volumes this quarter, which is more the norm.”

When asked to assess prospects for the 2022 Peak Season, Casey said that while Peak Season has not gone away, it has flattened over the years, with the expectation that it is expected to continue, with more steady traffic patterns versus peaks and valleys throughout the year.   

“There could be a noticeable increase in volumes heading into the end of the year holiday season, which would also be normal,” However, volumes still remain dependent on the issues identified previously.”

As for the impact of inflation and still-high, while declining, diesel prices on intermodal, Casey said that inflation reduces consumer spending and the demand for goods but could favor intermodal business by reducing transportation time sensitivity.

“Higher diesel prices also work in intermodal's favor, supporting the pricing competitiveness of intermodal vs. over-the-road,” she said.