For release February 20, 2009
Contact: matt mlynarczyk
voice 703-623-2929

2008 Domestic Intermodal Posts Best Results Since 2004

CALVERTON, MD, February 20, 2009 – 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 Types Q4 2007 Q4 2008 Change
Trailers 563,639 491,128 -12.9 %
Domestic Containers 939,469 980,634 +4.4 %
All 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 %

Overall 2007/2008 Intermodal Volume Comparisons

Equipment Types 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 13,659495 -3.0 %

International intermodal volume declined in every IANA region during Q4 2008; dropping a total of 11.1% and con¬tinuing 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 quar¬terly 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.

IANA is North America's leading industry trade association representing the combined interests of the intermodal freight industry. IANA's membership includes railroads, water carriers and stacktrain operators; port authorities; intermodal truckers and over-the-road highway carriers; intermodal marketing and logistics companies; and suppliers to the industry such as equipment manufacturers, intermodal leasing companies and consulting firms. IANA's associate members include shippers, academic institutions, government entities and non-profit associations.

Intermodal Association of North America, Suite 1100, 11785 Beltsville Drive, Calverton, MD 20705 http://www.intermodal.org/