Total intermodal volumes rose a little over 20% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2021, the largest year-over-year increase since 2010, according to the Intermodal Association of North America.

International container volumes were up 24.8% from 2020; domestic shipment were up 15.7%; and trailer volumes were up 18.5%

“Intermodal volumes have now grown for the fourth consecutive quarter. What is noteworthy is the breadth of the gains,” said Joni Casey, president and CEO of IANA. “With one or two exceptions, the three market segments showed positive performance in all of IANA’s ten regions.”

The seven highest-density trade corridors, which collectively handled more than 60% of total volume, were all up double digits in the second quarter.

Trans-Canada led with 29.6%, followed by the Southeast-Southwest at 28.9% and the Midwest-Northwest at 26.6%. The Intra-Southeast likewise posted a 25.9% increase; the South Central-Southwest, 24.5%; and the Midwest-Southwest, 21.8%. The Northeast-Midwest came in at 20.9%.

Total IMC volume rose nearly 30% year-over-year in Q2, with intermodal and highway loads up nearly 24% and 33.4%, respectively.