For release november 11, 2008
Contact: matt mlynarczyk
voice 703-623-2929

Domestic Intermodal Continues Its Climb – Posts Best Results in Four Years

CALVERTON, MD, November 11, 2008 – Domestic intermodal had its best performance this quarter since the second quarter of 2004 according to a report released today by the Intermodal Association of North America. A strong 10.5% gain in domestic containers – their strongest quarter of growth since 1999 – coupled with moderate domestic trailer volumes pushed overall domestic volume up a respectable 6.7%. This solid performance helped boost overall year-to-date domestic growth up by 4.7%, according to Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics, a comprehensive intermodal volume data report published by IANA.

Domestic contain¬er growth was driven by a 16.1% surge in 53-foot containers, while all other container sizes posted declines during the quarter. Domestic container gains were particularly strong in the Midwest-Northeast corridor, where eastbound shipments increased 15%, while westbound shipments increased 6%. And a first in more than three years, trailers had their second con¬secutive quarter of volume gains, which were primarily driven by a 10.4% increase in 53-foot units.

Third Quarter 2007/2008 Intermodal Volume Comparisons

Equipment Types Q3 2007 Q3 2008 Change
Trailers 526,888 527,840 +0.2 %
Domestic Containers 919,085 1,015,326 +10.5 %
All Domestic Equipment 1,445,973 1,543,166 +6.7 %
ISO Containers 2,172,645 2,040,991 -6.1 %
Total 3,618,618 3,584,157 -1.0 %

Continued weakness in consumer spending depressed container imports and overall international results. While international volume declined 6.1% in Q3 08 compared to Q3 07, the 2008 year to date figure was down 5.7%. In spite of a weak economy, total intermodal volume has held up relatively well. To date, shipments are only 1.6% below last year’s numbers. If economic concerns worsen, it appears unlikely that we will see a noticeable rebound in international volume during the next few quarters, but domestic should continue its solid performance as road-to-rail conversion opportunities are expected to remain an attractive transportation option for many shippers.

IANA is North America's leading industry trade association representing the combined interests of the intermodal freight industry. IANA's membership includes railroads, water carriers and stacktrain operators; port authorities; intermodal truckers and over-the-road highway carriers; intermodal marketing and logistics companies; and suppliers to the industry such as equipment manufacturers, intermodal leasing companies and consulting firms. IANA's associate members include shippers, academic institutions, government entities and non-profit associations.

Intermodal Association of North America, Suite 1100, 11785 Beltsville Drive, Calverton, MD 20705 http://www.intermodal.org/