Search
 

US Intermodal Suffers Largest Ever Quarterly Loss

Volume fell 16.3% in Q1. Nonetheless, government and private sources make major financial commitments, including $1.5 billion from federal Recovery Act.

By John McCloud | Updated on May 13, 2009

CALVERTON, MD-Though North American intermodal shipping suffered its largest drop ever in Q1, both government and private sources took actions indicating a willingness to make a long-term financial commitment to the integrated approach to freight transport.

According to a May 12 report from the Calverton-based Intermodal Association of North America, overall intermodal traffic suffered a 16.3% drop in Q1 compared to the same period in 2008. The single glimmer of hope was provided by the domestic container category, which actually saw volumes rise 0.1% for the quarter, with the biggest contribution coming from the 53-foot container subcategory, which experienced a 4.6% jump from last year’s total.

Unfortunately, the losses in other categories more than offset domestic container gains. International container volume was particularly hard hit, falling 22.7%. While every IANA region recorded declines, the drop in the the Northwest region was by far the worst at 32.9%. Western Canada saw the smallest decline in international container volume at 11.2%.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications
  • Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives
  • Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications
  • 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

GlobeSt

Join GlobeSt

Don't miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed commercial real estate decisions. Join GlobeSt.com now!

  • Free unlimited access to GlobeSt.com's trusted and independent team of experts who provide commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, brokers and finance professionals with comprehensive coverage, analysis and best practices necessary to innovate and build business.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and GlobeSt events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join GlobeSt

Copyright © 2025 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.