Based on information provided by participating third parties, total intermodal and highway loads declined 9.8 percent in the third quarter compared to the same period last year, according to the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA). The information comes from the association's Intermodal Marketing Company Market Activity Report for the third quarter 2001.
The report highlights the economic news, with a particular insight into the short term effects on the economy from the events of September 11th. There was a widespread drop in consumer confidence in the week following the attacks, and although spending picked up somewhat one to two weeks later, the drop caused a ripple effect through the supply chain as replacement orders were reduced and unsold inventories increased, according to IANA.
The report suggests some cautious optimism for an economic recovery noting that Congress is considering an economic stimulus package, the Federal Reserve continues to cut interest rates, and business inventories continue to decline, setting the stage for a comeback in replenishment shipments when the economy begins to recover.
Total revenue figures also showed a slight decline from last year of 1 percent. Third quarter results reflected an increase of 1.5 percent in highway loadings with associated revenue unchanged from 2000. Average revenue per intermodal load made some headway increasing 16.9 percent compared to the third quarter of 2000.
Comparisons with second quarter 2001 indicated intermodal loads up 2 percent while highway loads and total loads were down 5 percent and 1 percent respectively. Intermodal revenue was 11 percent higher than in the second quarter and average revenue per intermodal load also made positive gains, increasing 9 percent.