July 30, 2020

Intermodal Declines Continue in Second Quarter

CALVERTON, MD, July 30, 2020 – 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.

The Intermodal Quarterly report is published quarterly by IANA for its members and is available on a subscription and individual copy basis for non-members. Members of the press may request a sample copy of the second quarter Intermodal Quarterly report from Art Cleaver at acleaver@intermodal.org.

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.