Intermodal declines continue in second quarter

Total intermodal volumes dropped 11.9 percent year-over-year in the second quarter of 2020, according to the Intermodal Association of North America’s Intermodal Quarterly report. International shipments fell 15.4 percent from 2019, while domestic containers and trailers fell 7.0 percent and 14.0 percent, respectively.

“Second quarter results showed the full impact of the economic downturn attributed to COVID-19. Slowing imports and declining diesel prices affected both international and domestic volumes,” said Joni Casey, president and CEO of IANA. “We anticipate that the Q2 drop-off should be a floor going forward.” 

The seven highest-density trade corridors, which collectively handled more than 60 percent of total volume, were all down for the quarter. The Midwest-Northwest and Intra-Southeast, at 19.1 percent and 17.6 percent, respectively, topped the losses. The South Central-Southwest came in at 14.6 percent; the Southeast-Southwest at 11.6 percent; and the Northeast-Midwest at 10.3 percent. Two corridors fell less than ten percent: the Trans-Canada declined 9.7 percent, and the Midwest-Southwest dropped 7.3 percent.

Total IMC volume fell 8.5 percent year-over-year in Q2. Highway loads were down 4.0 percent, while intermodal was 15.2 percent to the negative.