August intermodal volumes trend up, reports IANA

Intermodal volumes, for the month of August, were largely up, following mostly across-the-board declines in July, according to data provided to LM by the Intermodal Association of North America.

Total August volume—at 1,581,860—increased 2.0% annually. Trailers—at 72,223—saw another significant decline, down 25.6%, an improvement over July’s 29.0% annual decline, for the lone segment tracked by IANA to fall. Domestic containers—at 698,252—increased 4.7% annually. All domestic equipment, which is comprised of trailers and domestic containers, eked out a 0.9% gain, to 770,475. ISO, or international, containers—at 811,385—headed up 3.%.

Through the first eight months of 2022, IANA reported that total intermodal volume—at 12,010,490 units—is down 4.2%. Trailers—at 642,494—are down 21.0%, and domestic containers—at 5,504,843—are up 4.3% annually. All domestic equipment—at 6,147,337—fell 0.9%. ISO containers—at 5,863,153—are down 9%.

When asked to assess prospects for the 2022 Peak Season in a recent interview, IANA President and CEO Joni Casey said that while Peak Season has not gone away, it has flattened over the years, with the expectation that it is expected to continue, with more steady traffic patterns versus peaks and valleys throughout the year.   

“There could be a noticeable increase in volumes heading into the end of the year holiday season, which would also be normal,” However, volumes still remain dependent on the issues identified previously.”

As for the impact of inflation and still-high, while declining, diesel prices on intermodal, Casey said that inflation reduces consumer spending and the demand for goods but could favor intermodal business by reducing transportation time sensitivity.

“Higher diesel prices also work in intermodal's favor, supporting the pricing competitiveness of intermodal vs. over-the-road,”rdquo; she said.