Intermodal volumes realized a 4.5% increase in growth during the second quarter, adding another consecutive quarter to intermodal's unrivaled streak, according to Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics, a quarterly publication of the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA).
Growth during the quarter echoed recent trends, with sustained gains in international volume offsetting modest domestic declines.
The overall rate of intermodal growth did slow somewhat - increasing at half the rate observed during full year 2004 - with international growth rates also slightly slowing, but still well above historic averages.
Domestic volume fell at a slightly faster pace than the first quarter, reflecting a probable early-spring economic "soft patch," combined with increased truckload capacity, tight domestic container supply, and evolving railroad marketing strategies. Domestic container results improved from the previous quarter, but were tempered by significantly lower trailer volumes.