April 29, 2021

Intermodal Continues Comeback in First Quarter

CALVERTON, MD, April 29, 2021 – Total intermodal volumes rose 10.5 percent year-over-year in the first quarter of 2021, according to the Intermodal Association of North America’s Intermodal Quarterly report. International containers gained 14.8 percent from 2020; domestic shipments, 4.4 percent; and trailers, 20.0 percent.

“Intermodal volumes were up for the third consecutive quarter through Q1. This growth is projected to continue through the remainder of the year,” said Joni Casey, president and CEO of IANA. “Even considering weak comparisons that supported the other segments, domestic intermodal posted solid 4.4 percent gains.”

The seven highest-density trade corridors, which collectively handled more than 60 percent of total volume, were all up in the first quarter. Three were up double digits: Trans-Canada, 26.4 percent; Midwest-Southwest,15.7 percent; and the South Central-Southwest,15.6 percent. The Southeast-Southwest grew 8.9 percent; the Midwest-Northwest was up 8.3 percent; and the Intra-Southeast posted a 7.5 percent increase. The Northeast-Midwest came in at 5.0 percent.

Total IMC volume rose 10.2 percent year-over-year in Q1, with intermodal and highway loads up 1.5 percent and 16.1 percent, respectively.

Members of the press may request the 2021 First Quarter Intermodal Quarterly report from Art Cleaver at acleaver@intermodal.org. IANA has developed a new resource, the Intermodal Volume Analyzer available by subscription. It is the only tool of its kind with the ability to filter data by equipment type, size and ownership. A Historical Volume Analyzer as well as the aggregate rail volume data are also available by subscription and for one-time purchase. For additional information, visit the IANA website or contact Tara Mullen at tmullen@intermodal.org. 

About IANA
IANA’s roster of more than 1,000 corporate members includes railroads, ocean carriers, ports, intermodal truckers and over-the-road highway carriers, intermodal marketing and logistic companies, and suppliers to the industry. This roster gives IANA a unique position within the intermodal community, one which is authoritative, holistic and able to affect change that benefits everyone. IANA consistently supports the shared needs, interests, and goals of its diverse members – regardless of mode or function – with business solutions, education, and networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.intermodal.org.