Domestic Intermodal

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 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.   

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 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.

CN and NS officials said that this new service will provide customers with an integrated, market-competitive, and efficient all-rail service. And they added that this service will connect CN-served Canadian markets with Norfolk Southern-served Kansas City and Atlanta, which they referred to as the heart of the fast-growing manufacturing and consumer base in the Southeastern U.S.  

Total February volume—at 1,248,569 units—fell 7.3% annually. Trailers—at 61,211—saw a 27.6% annual decline, and domestic containers—at 611,460—were down 4.3%. All domestic equipment, which is comprised of trailers and domestic containers, were down 7.0%, to 672,671. ISO, or international, containers—at 575,898—dropped 7.6%.

Total December volume—at 1,325,121—fell 7.8% annually, trailing November’s 1,390,155 units. Trailers—at 78,074—fell 28.4% compared to December 2021, below November’s 30.8% annual decline. Domestic containers—at 632,207—were off 8.2%. And all domestic equipment, which is comprised of trailers and domestic containers, fell 10.9%, to 710,281. ISO, or international containers, fell 3.8%, to 614,840.

Total November volume—at 1,390,155 units—was down 2.5% annually. Trailers—at 68,551—fell 30.8%, falling short of October’s 30.1% annual decline. Domestic containers—at 656,847—were off 3.6%. And all domestic equipment, which is comprised of trailers and domestic containers, fell 7.1%, to 725,398. ISO, or international containers, was the lone segment to see an annual gain, rising 3.1%, to 664,757.

When looking at the current state of intermodal volumes, a few quick themes jump out, observed Larry Gross, president of Gross Transportation Consulting at the last month’s RailTrends conference in New York.

Total June volume—at 1,539,226 units—fell 2.9% annually, less than May’s 3.8% annual decline. Trailers—at 74,824—saw a steep 24.1% annual decline, in line with May’s 26.6% downward spread. Domestic containers—at 693,761—headed up 4.5%, short of May’s 5.7% annual gain. All domestic equipment, which is comprised of trailers and domestic containers, was up 1.4%, to 4,644,642. ISO, or international, containers—at 4,298,663—fell 11.8%, topping May’s 8.5% annual decrease.

For the fourth quarter, IANA reported that total intermodal volume, at 4,397,013 units, fell 9.8% annually. Total calendar year 2021 volume, at 18,435,249 units, was up 3.6% compared to 2020.

Total September shipments—at 1,617,044—were up 8.6% annually. Domestic containers—at 715,240—were up 14.4%, while trailers—at 109,623—were up 16.2%. All domestic equipment—at 824,863—was up 14.6%. ISO, or international, containers—at 792,181—saw a 2.9% increase.

Total August shipments—at 1,575,928—were off 2.7% annually. Domestic containers—at 695,999—were up 4.4%, while trailers—at 108,901—were up 3.2%. All domestic equipment—at 804,900—was up 4.3%. ISO, or international, containers—at 771,028—saw a 2.7% decline.