The 10.2 per cent year-on-year gain in US container volume in the first quarter of 2013 represents the sixth consecutive quarter of 10 per cent plus increases
US quarterly box growth up 10.2pc, rising for sixth straight quarter
The 10.2 per cent year-on-year gain in US container volume in the first quarter of 2013 represents the sixth consecutive quarter of 10 per cent plus increases, according to the Intermodal Association of North America's (IANA) Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics report.
It is also the second highest volume recorded in US container history, said the IANA report.
Overall, intermodal growth accelerated 4.5 per cent in the first quarter, from the previous year's level, said the report, attributing gains to stronger than expected consumer spending and growth in intermodal market share both in road and rail sectors.
Total international volume increased by three per cent, with US west coast shipments rising faster than US east coast movements, IANA said.
But the southeast posted the biggest overall growth gain in first quarter movement, growing by 10.5 per cent year on year.
Even intermodal trailers exhibited positive signs. Volumes had declined more than 10 per cent in each of the previous two quarters, but first quarter reflected a narrowing loss of 6.3 per cent.
