MENU
SEARCHTotal intermodal shipments in the U.S. and Canada rose 2% over last year’s first quarter volumes despite port congestion issues that impacted international container traffic, according to new figures from the Intermodal Association of North America.
Graphic: IANA
Total intermodal shipments in the U.S. and Canada rose 2% over last year’s first quarter volumes despite port congestion issues that impacted international container traffic, according to new figures from the Intermodal Association of North America.
Domestic intermodal loads grew 4.5%, buoyed by domestic containers, which rose 6.5%.
“Monthly first quarter results were uneven due to the issues on the West Coast,” said Joni Casey, president and CEO of IANA. “Despite February’s challenges, however, we still saw some overall quarterly growth, led by big boxes in regions less affected by port congestion.”
According to IANA, domestic intermodal results were particularly impressive in view of the challenges facing the import sector. A significant share of the freight carried by domestic intermodal is trans-loaded from 40-foot containers that come through a port. First quarter volumes exceeded the 5.1% gain recorded in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Regional traffic growth remained tied to port issues, notwithstanding the relative strength of domestic intermodal. Volumes were down in the Southwest, which saw a 5.7% decline over the first quarter 2014. The Southeast surged 9.9% due to increases in both domestic and international containers. Western Canada posted the strongest growth rate of any region, jumping an exceptional 10.6% in the first quarter.
The seven largest volume corridors also varied according to their exposure to port disruptions. While lanes that included the Southwest were down, the intra-Southeast continued to be an intermodal powerhouse. Intermodal shipments in that lane jumped 16.5% from the fourth quarter of 2014. Overall, high-density lanes, which accounted for 64.5% of total volumes, saw a minimal decline of 0.9% in the most recent quarter
Intermodal marketing companies reported 3% growth in the first quarter, laying the groundwork for an even stronger performance in the coming months, according to IANA. Intermodal and highway loads jumped 3.2% and 2.6%, respectively. IMC highway gains were significant enough to push revenues up 1%, compared to first quarter of 2014.
When the unexpected happens, how you react to, and deal with operational blind spots is critical. Here’s how to keep you recovery on track, when nothing is normal.
Read More →
As fleets adopt artificial intelligence for routing, maintenance, and load matching, new security risks are emerging. Learn where the vulnerabilities are and how to put the right controls in place.
Read More →
The long-awaited registration system promises a single portal — and tighter fraud controls.
Read More →
CargoNet reports fewer supply chain crime events to start 2026. But losses hold steady as organized crime shifts tactics toward impersonation schemes and high-value goods.
Read More →
Heavy Duty Trucking is searching for forward-looking leaders at trucking fleets as nominations for HDT’s Truck Fleet Innovators 2026. Deadline is May 15.
Read More →
Cargo theft rings plant operatives as drivers inside legitimate, fully vetted carriers, then execute coordinated thefts that look like a traditional straight theft from the outside.
Read More →
A modest sequential increase capped the strongest quarterly performance in years, signaling continued freight momentum in early 2026.
Read More →
More than 300 carriers across 26 states have been sent to collections as the Ohio Turnpike cracks down on toll evasion and delinquent payments.
Read More →
The American Transportation Research Institute will examine driver coaching, regulatory impacts — including the "Beyond Compliance" concept —and weather disruptions that shape trucking operations.
Read More →
Fleet Advantage's Brian Antonellis says it's time for fleets to get back to the fundamentals of good maintenance practices. And that includes replacing older, inefficient equipment.
Read More →
