Overall intermodal volume increased a respectable 3.2 percent during a quarter that exhibited some economic slowdowns. Trailer volume dropped 10.7 percent, as shippers continued to move away from 45-foot and 48-foot equipment, although 53-foot trailer shipments held close to last year's volumes, dropping only a minimal 0.2 percent year-over-year. While domestic container volume was the highlight of the quarter, international volume posted a modest 0.9 percent increase, with the Northwest and Western Canada regions recording impressive growth during Q3 of 13.8 percent and 9.1 percent respectively.
Third Quarter 2012 Intermodal Volume Comparisons
The largest overall cause of modest international intermodal volume increases continues to be weak port volume, as many shippers have been unwilling to bring in substantial inven'tories. Strong domestic container gains have kept overall intermodal volume growth positive, and an anticipated rebound in imports should deliver higher levels of overall intermodal performance in the coming months.