Intermodal bounces back in second half of 2020 01/02/21

CALVERTON, MD, February 1, 2021 – Total intermodal volumes rose 9.6 percent year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2020, according to the Intermodal Association of North America’s Intermodal Quarterly report. Domestic containers gained 8.7 percent year-over-year 2020; international shipments, 9.4 percent; and trailers, 17.5 percent.

“Intermodal continued its comeback in the fourth quarter after declines in the first half of the year,” said Joni Casey, president and CEO of IANA. “Against the backdrop of COVID, all market sectors posted gains, setting the pace into at least Q1 of 2021.”

The seven highest-density trade corridors, which collectively handled more than 60 percent of total volume, were up 10.3 percent in the fourth quarter. Three were up double digits: Trans-Canada,19.7 percent; South Central-Southwest,13.4 percent; and Midwest-Southwest,13.0 percent. The Intra-Southeast notched a 9.6 percent increase, and the Northeast-Midwest, a 9.5 percent rise. The Midwest-Northwest was up 7.5 percent, and the Southeast-Southwest also grew 2.4 percent.

Total IMC volume rose 17.2 percent year-over-year in Q4, with intermodal and highway loads up 13.1 percent and 20.0 percent, respectively.

Members of the press may request the 2020 Fourth Quarter and Year-End 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 Data & Statistics page or contact Tara Mullen at tmullen@intermodal.org.