ISO Containers

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.   

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.

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 second quarter volume, at 4,148,328 units, was down 10.4% annually, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of annual declines, and also the largest quarterly decline over that span. While this marked another decline, IANA pointed out that it was topped the first quarter by 5.3%, while coming in below each quarter in 2022.

Total June volume, at 1,429,179 units, saw a 7.1% annual decrease, faring better than May’s 8.8% annual decrease, as well as a 15.4% April decrease.

Total May volume came in at 1,418,733 units, falling 8.8% annually. While topping April’s total volume, which came in at 1,300,416 units, May’s annual decline was not as steep as April’s 15.4% annual decrease.

Total April volume, at 1,300,416 units, fell 15.4% annually.

Total March volume—at 1,373,261 units—fell 13.1% annually. Trailers—at 63,315—saw a 30.5% annual decline, and domestic containers—at 689,170—were down 8.4%. All domestic equipment, which is comprised of trailers and domestic containers, were down 10.9%, to 754,485. ISO, or international, containers—at 618,776—dropped 15.7%.

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%.

For the fourth quarter, IANA reported that total intermodal volume—at 4,237,605 units—were off compared to the fourth quarter 2021. Total calendar year 2022 volume—at 17,716,445 units—were down 3.9% compared to 2021.