In a strong second quarter showing, intermodal posted gains across all segments, according to the Intermodal Association of North America’s (IANA) Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics report. International containers increased 9.6 percent, trailers improved by 4.3 percent, and domestic containers grew 7.6 percent quarter over quarter, all indications that the intermodal industry is recovering from a harsh winter and a contracted economy. Due in large part to Q2’s strength, the first half of 2014 averaged 5.5 percent in total intermodal volume gains, just below the 5.8 percent growth recorded in the second half of 2013 and in-line with recent trends.
“The second quarter results were indicative of a rebounding economy and higher than predicted import shipments,” said Joni Casey, president and CEO of IANA. “It is also probable the harsh winter that resulted in constricted Q1 capacity contributed to the second quarter’s strong growth, by comparison.”