For release November 6, 2006
Contact: RIP WATSON
Director of Communications & Public Relations
voice (301) 982-3400, ext. 329
fax (301) 982-4815

Intermodal Sets Volume Record of 3.7 Million in Third Quarter

CALVERTON, MD, November 6, 2006 — Intermodal volume set a new record of 3.7 million loads in the third quarter, increasing by 4.9 percent and topping the previous mark that was set in the second quarter of this year, according to the Intermodal Association of North America’s Market Trends & Statistics report.

The increase, led by an 8.6 percent rise in international traffic that was spurred by higher imports, marked the 18th consecutive quarter of growth, and included an all-time monthly high of 1.3 million shipments in August. The previous record for any quarter was 3.58 million shipments. The previous monthly record of 1.24 million loads was set in June of this year.

The quarterly report, which contains detailed, exclusive market information, showed August international volume 12 percent above October of 2005. Combined international and domestic traffic rose in seven of the nine IANA regions, with the Southwest leading the growth at 12 percent.

Third Quarter 2005/2006 Intermodal Volume Comparisons

Equipment Types Q3 2005 Q3 2006 Change
Trailers 641,206 609,288 -5.0%
Domestic Containers 810,112 835,158 +3.1%
All Domestic Equipment 1,451,318 1,444,446 +0.5%
ISO Containers 2,076,390 2,255,098 +8.6%
Total 3,527,708 3,699,544 +4.9%

“International intermodal has topped last year’s October peak every month since June,” according to the report. “This demonstrates both the enduring strength of container imports and shippers moving freight earlier in the year.”

Domestic container traffic increased 3.1 percent in the quarter, helped by growth in the Midwest. Trailer traffic declined 5 percent, reflecting a continuing shift of domestic freight to containers. Total domestic volume fell 0.5 percent, hurt by a decline in manufacturing.

Driven by the continued rise in Asian imports, the fastest international growth of 20 percent was recorded in the Southwest region, which includes California.

Accredited journalists may obtain a sample copy of the Q3 2006 issue of Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics by contacting Rip Watson by e-mail at rip.watson@intemodal.org or phone at (301) 982-3400, ext. 329. Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics is produced quarterly by IANA and is available on a subscription and individual copy basis. For subscription information, please contact Tara Mullen at ext. 366 or tara.mullen@intermodal.org.

IANA is North America's leading industry trade association representing the combined interests of the intermodal freight industry. IANA's membership includes railroads, water carriers and stacktrain operators; port authorities; intermodal truckers and over-the-road highway carriers; intermodal marketing and logistics companies; and suppliers to the industry such as equipment manufacturers, intermodal leasing companies and consulting firms. IANA's associate members include shippers, academic institutions, government entities and non-profit associations.

Intermodal Association of North America, Suite 1100, 11785 Beltsville Drive, Calverton, MD 20705 http://www.intermodal.org/