IANA

"Year of the Dog," was ushered in by a significant surge in inbound ocean carrier calls.

Both fourth quarter and full-year 2017 intermodal volumes turned in strong performances, according to data in the most recent edition of the Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics Report, which was released by the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA).

Every year, Connie recipients are recognized with the prestigious award for outstanding contributions to containerization and world trade and transportation sector and are acknowledged for their pioneering spirit in their careers, as well as for the positive example they establish for those who will be the future the industry.

Truckload executives said it was not a profitable environment in the second quarter as shippers are pressing carriers for rate reductions on contract renewals. Fuel surcharge revenue also is declining.

Intermodal volume headed up for the third straight quarter, which was immediately preceded by annual declines during the second and third quarters of 2016 and 25 consecutive quarters of growth prior to that.

Total first quarter volume movements-at 4,240,884-were up 2 percent annually, ahead of the fourth quarter’s 1.0 percent increase.

The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) examined the rise of e-commerce and the future of expedited intermodal at its last annual conference, and will likely address the issue in greater detail throughout the year.

While the third quarter of 2016, marked the second straight quarter total intermodal volumes declined on the heels of 25 consecutive quarters of growth, the fourth quarter returned to growth mode, albeit barely, according to data in the 2016 Fourth Quarter and Year-End Report issued this week by the Intermodal Association of North America

Total 2016 intermodal volume was down 2.1 percent annually at 17,130,924, according to IANA.

For October, the most recent month for which data is available, the ICI headed up to 5.26 from 4.95 in September. FTR said this increase points to what it called continued moderately favorable conditions affecting the intermodal segment, adding that while the pace of intermodal growth is down annually, signs of mild improvement are intact.

IANA President and CEO Joni Casey said that decreases in ISO volumes have hit all North American markets, while most of those same regions continue to see domestic volume growth.

Total third quarter intermodal volume movements—at 4,348,634—were off 4.6 percent annually, following a 6.1 percent second quarter decline at 4,271,162. The first quarter of 2016 saw volumes rise 2.0 percent annually.

Total intermodal volume movements—at 4,271,162—were down 6.1 percent annually and failed to keep up the momentum from the first quarter of 2016, which looked good by comparison with a 2.0 percent annual gain.

Total June volume total volume was off 4.0 percent at 1,521,276 and for the first six months of the year total volume was down 2.3 percent at 8,622,625.

Total intermodal volume movements—at 4,156,999—were up 2.0 percent annually and outpaced the 0.3 percent annual growth rate from the fourth quarter of 2015.