For release MAY 8, 2007
Contact: RIP WATSON
Director of Communications & Public Relations
voice (301) 982-3400, ext. 329
fax (301) 982-4815

Intermodal First-Quarter Volume Rises 1.1 Percent

CALVERTON, MD, May 8, 2007—Intermodal volume rose 1.1 percent in the first quarter of 2007, setting a first-quarter record and continuing a growth pattern that has now entered its sixth year.

The first-quarter results, including a 2.5 percent increase in international traffic, showed that volume reached 3.41 million shipments, according to the Intermodal Association of North America’s Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics report. Intermodal growth continues even as volume has slumped in other modes of transportation. The 1.1 percent first quarter 2007 growth rate exceeded the 0.6 percent increase during the fourth quarter of last year.

The quarterly report, which contains detailed, exclusive market information, included increases in three of the nine IANA regions, including the Southwest and Midwest, which together accounted for 50 percent of total volume.

First Quarter 2006/2007 Intermodal Volume Comparisons

Equipment Types Q1 2006 Q1 2007 Change
Trailers 608,181 531,122 -12.7%
Domestic Containers 784,758 850,147 +8.3%
All Domestic Equipment 1,392,939 1,381,269 -0.8%
ISO Containers 1,977,716 2,027,247 +2.5%
Total 3,370,655 3,408,516 +1.1%

Domestic container traffic increased 8.3 percent in the quarter, reflecting the continuing trend of growth in that equipment type. Trailer business fell 12.7 percent, as railroads continued to move more freight in containers that can be double-stacked.

The percentage of intermodal freight that is international was 59.5 percent in the quarter, compared with 53 percent five years ago.

Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics is published quarterly by IANA and is available on a subscription and individual copy basis. For subscription information, or if you are an accredited journalist seeking a sample copy of the first quarter 2007 issue of Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics, please contact Tara Mullen either by email at tara.mullen@intermodal.org or phone at (301) 982-3400, ext. 366.

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/