For release February 13, 2006
Contact: Thomas J. Malloy
VP, Member Services & Business Development
voice (301) 982-3400, ext. 328
fax (301) 982-4815

Domestic Volume Upsurge
Closes a Strong 2005

Recovering Domestic Volume Posts
First Quarterly Gain Since 2004

CALVERTON, MD, February 13, 2006 – During Q4 2005, intermodal volume grew for the fifteenth consecutive quarter, exhibiting a 5.5% upsurge to end a stellar year, according to Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics, a quarterly publication of the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA). While the pace of international growth showed a minor decrease—dropping to a single digit for the first time in 2005—domestic volume increased by 1.3% for its first quarterly gain during the year.

Fourth Quarter 2004/2005 Intermodal Volume Comparisons

2004 Equipment Types Q4 2004 Q4 2005 Change
Trailers 716,181 710,831 -0.7%
Domestic Containers 793,147 818,295 +3.2%
All Domestic Equipment 1,509,328 1,529,126 +1.3%
ISO Containers 1,863,179 2,029,245 +8.9%
Total 3,372,507 3,558,371 +5.5%

Within the domestic market, container volume rose for a second straight quarter (up 3.2%) after a weak first half of 2005. Domestic container activity increased in six of the nine regions that IANA tracks, with double-digit gains realized in the Southeast and Northeast regions. The Midwest region posted the largest absolute growth, adding more than 15,000 domestic container loads during the quarter. While trailer volume decreased again this quarter, its slight 0.7% drop was the smallest experienced in 2005.

Accredited journalists may obtain a sample copy of the Q4 2005 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/