Intermodal continues surge in second quarter

Total intermodal volumes rose 20.4 percent year-over-year in the second quarter of 2021, according to the Intermodal Association of North America’s Intermodal Quarterly report. International containers gained 24.8 percent from 2020; domestic shipments,15.7 percent; and trailers,18.5 percent. 

“Intermodal volumes have now grown for the fourth consecutive quarter. What is noteworthy is the breadth of the gains,” said Joni Casey, president and CEO of IANA. “With one or two exceptions, the three market segments showed positive performance in all of IANA’s ten regions.”

The seven highest-density trade corridors, which collectively handled more than 60 percent of total volume, were all up double digits in the second quarter. Trans-Canada led with 29.6 percent, followed by the Southeast-Southwest at 28.9 percent and the Midwest-Northwest at 26.6 percent. The Intra-Southeast likewise posted a 25.9 percent increase; the South Central-Southwest, 24.5 percent; and the Midwest-Southwest, 21.8 percent. The Northeast-Midwest came in at 20.9 percent.

Total IMC volume rose 29.8 percent year-over-year in Q2, with intermodal and highway loads up 23.9 percent and 33.4 percent, respectively.