Q4 shows expected declines; domestic loads drop slightly

Domestic intermodal volume posted a solid 2.9% overall gain in 2008, according to the new Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics, a comprehensive intermodal volume data report published by the Intermodal Association of North America. Although overall volumes declined slightly by 2.1% in the fourth quarter, domestic container performance remained healthy through the end of 2008. While its overall growth slowed to 4.4% - less than a half of Q3's gain ' growth in 53-foot containers was an exceptionally strong 10% for the quarter.

Fourth Quarter 2007/2008 Intermodal Volume Comparisons
Equipment Type Q4 2007 Q4 2008 Change
Trailers 563,639 491,128 -12.9%
Domestic Equipment 1,503,108 1,471,762 -2.1%
ISO Containers 2,018,837 1,794,967 -11.1%
Total 3,521,945 3,266,729 -7.2%
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Overall 2007/2008 Intermodal Volume Comparisons
Equipment Type 2007 2008 Change
Trailers 2,145,466 2,060,399 -4.0%
Domestic Containers 3,598,006 3,849,327 +7.0%
All Domestic Equipment 5,743,472 5,909,726 +2.9%
ISO Containers 8,335,480 7,749,769 -7.0%
Total 14,078,952 13,659,495 -3.0%

International intermodal volume declined in every IANA region during Q4 2008; dropping a total of 11.1% and continuing its steady decline for the seventh consecutive quarter. This quarterly loss contributed to the largest year-over-year drop of intermodal loadings ' 7% ' since IANA began keeping quarterly records in 1998. International containers had been the main driver of intermodal growth prior to 2007 amid soaring growth in container imports, based upon strong consumer demand.