Intermodal Association of North America

Total December volume, at 1,410,345 units, was up 6.4% annually, posting annual growth for the second consecutive month, following November’s 3.8% annual increase. For all of 2023, total intermodal volume came in at 16,669,980 units, for a 5.9% annual decrease.

Following the issuance of the final rule for determining independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act by the United States Department of Labor earlier this week, the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) became the most recent industry organization to express its disdain for the new rule.

Total November volume, at 1,442,394 units, were up 3.8% annually, snapping a stretch of slimming sequential, annual declines, with October down 0.4% and 4.0%, 7.5% and 9.8% annual declines, in September, August and July, respectively.

On December 18, CBP said that it is continuing to surge all available resources to safely process migrants in response to increased levels of migrant encounters at the Southwest Border, fueled by smugglers peddling disinformation to prey on vulnerable individuals.

Total October volume, at 1,515,201 units, fell a mere 0.4% annually, continuing a trend of slimming sequential declines, following 4.0%, 7.5% and 9.8% annual declines, in September, August and July, respectively.

Total third quarter volume, at 4,213,559, fell 7.1% annually. While volumes were off again annually, they rose on a sequential basis, topping the second quarter, which came in at 4,148,328 units.

Total September volume, at 1,410,278 units, was off 4.0% annually, continuing a trend of slimming sequential declines, following 7.5% and 9.8% annual declines, in August and July, respectively.

Total August volume, at 1,463,123 units, decreased 7.5% annually, faring better than the 9.8% annual decrease seen in July.

Total July volume, at 1,340,158 units, were off 9.8% annually, faring worse than June and May decreases, at -7.1% and -8.8%, respectively. Domestic containers, at 649,218, were down 1.9%. Trailers, at 56,422, saw a 19.9% annual decline. And all domestic equipment, which is comprised of trailers and domestic containers, totaled 705,640, for a 3.6% annual decrease. ISO, or international, containers, dropped 15.7%, to 634,518.

Total second quarter volume, at 4,148,328 units, was down 10.4% annually, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of annual declines, and also the largest quarterly decline over that span. While this marked another decline, IANA pointed out that it was topped the first quarter by 5.3%, while coming in below each quarter in 2022.

Total June volume, at 1,429,179 units, saw a 7.1% annual decrease, faring better than May’s 8.8% annual decrease, as well as a 15.4% April decrease.

Total May volume came in at 1,418,733 units, falling 8.8% annually. While topping April’s total volume, which came in at 1,300,416 units, May’s annual decline was not as steep as April’s 15.4% annual decrease.

A letter penned to the United States Senate last week by a foursome made up of modal and industry associations made the case for the Senate to be careful and diligent, when it comes to voting on the Railway Safety Act of 2023.

Total April volume, at 1,300,416 units, fell 15.4% annually.

Total first quarter volume—at 3,940,153 units—was down 8.6% annually, marking the seventh quarter of annual declines and the second largest decline over that period.