The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) has released second-quarter-2001 rail intermodal traffic data as part of its Rail Intermodal Traffic Report. Despite continuing signs of a domestic economic slowdown, the intermodal marketplace was able to survive the first half of this year. According to information provided by the six largest railroads, intermodal traffic was again nearly level with second quarter 2000. For the second consecutive quarter, domestic container traffic has exceeded trailer traffic. Traffic in international containers was up 3.1 % while domestic container traffic showed a slight decrease.
The quarterly report highlights several intermodal corridors that carried a minimum of 100,000 units, which showed positive gains compared with second quarter 2000. Leading the way was the Midwest-Southeast corridor, producing 11% growth due to the strong performance in container traffic. The South Central-Southwest corridor showed strong growth at 6.3%.
Several railroads have announced intermodal service and capacity improvements. Norfolk Southern is now providing rail service to the new Mason Intermodal Container Transfer Facility at the Port of Savannah GA, and recently opened its new Cleveland terminal in Maple Heights OH, to handle international traffic. CP has announced plans to expand and upgrade intermodal facilities in Toronto, Chicago IL, and Calgary; and KCS/TexMex/TFM has announced the NAFTA express intermodal service between United States points and connections and Mexico City.
For further information or to order the report, visit the IANA web site at www.intermodal.org or phone 301-982-3400, ext 28.