International volume surged 16.9% in Q4 2010, helping to push overall intermodal volume up 14.7% for the year, according to a report released today by the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA). IANA's Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics Report stated that the strong fourth quarter international results also helped overall 2010 international volume to increase 18.5% ' the highest increase since IANA began reporting intermodal statistics in 1996. After several previous quarters of decline, international intermodal volume surged every quarter of 2010, driven primarily by retailers rebuilding inventories.

Fourth Quarter 2010 Intermodal Volume Comparisons

Equipment Type 2009 2010 Change
Trailers 415,455 445,853 7.30%
Domestic Containers 1,068,754 1,163,707 8.90%
All Domestic Equipment 1,484,209 1,609,560 8.4%
ISO Containers 1,574,662 1,841,451 16.90%
Total 3,058,871 3,451,011 12.80%

Overall 2010 Intermodal Volume Comparisons

Equipment Type 2009 2010 Change
Trailers 1,604,555 1,664,064 3.70%
Domestic Containers 3,960,480 4,488,311 13.30%
All Domestic Equipment 5,565,035 6,125,375 10.60%
ISO Containers 6,105,315 7,237,729 18.50%
Total 11,670,350 13,390,104 14.70%

Total domestic volume during the quarter was the highest ever recorded by IANA, topping 1.6 million loads, helping make 2010 the best growth year for overall domestic business since IANA started reporting intermodal statistics. Domestic container growth was up 8.9% in Q4 2010, ending the year 13.3% above 2009 figures. This increase followed a 7.0% gain in 2008 and 2.9% growth in 2009. Unlike international volumes, domestic container volumes never declined during the recent recession.