Intermodal Freight Posts Near 5% Annual Increase
Neither U.S. West Coast port congestion nor the East Coast winter weather could stop intermodal volume growth in 2014 and they won’t be able to this year either, the Intermodal Association of North America says.
Despite the harsh winter that kicked off the year, it reported intermodal freight volume improved 4.8% in 2014 and will likely see similar-sized gains this year, thanks in large part to a boost in consumer spending driven by plunging oil prices and a strengthening U.S. dollar.
Domestic containers lead all gains in 2014, growing 5.7% year-over-year. Big boxes have remained the intermodal workhorse for four years straight, and for seven of the last eight years, according to IANA.
“Intermodal performed well, despite industry-wide challenges,” said Joni Casey, president and CEO of IANA, the industry trade association that represents the combined interests of the intermodal freight industry. “For the first time in four years, international, domestic container, and trailer market segments all posted year-over-year growth. And volume gains were widespread geographically, with eight out of nine regions recording increases during 2014.”
With the West Coast ports labor disputes in early 2015 they saw their container volumes drop 6% in December. For the calendar year 2014, the ports were barely able to register a 1 percent gain. Early January, Union Pacific Railroad, which controls the largest rail network in the U.S., said it is bracing for West Coast congestion to drag on volume growth for the year.
With the growth in volume being shipped be aware of the increase in rail traffic. More rail trains will be passing through your area due to the increase. Make sure you are aware of your rail traffic safety. Rail traffic safety is an important guideline to follow especially if you are on the road. Here are few rules to follow:
- Never drive around lowered gates – it’s illegal and deadly.
- Never race a train to the crossing – even if you tie, you lose.
- Do not get trapped on the tracks. Only proceed through a highway-rail grade crossing if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping. Remember, the train is three feet wider than the tracks on both sides.
- If your vehicle ever stalls on a track while a train is coming, get out immediately and move quickly away from the tracks in the direction from which the train is coming.
- At a multiple track crossing waiting for a train to pass, watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching in either direction.
- Always expect a train! Freight trains do not follow set schedules.
- Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly. A freight train moving 55 miles per hour can take a mile or more to stop. That’s 18 football fields!
- Do not be fooled – the train you see is closer and faster moving than you think.
- When you need to cross train tracks, go to a designated crossing, look both ways, and cross the tracks quickly, without stopping.
- Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings.
- Never walk down a train track; it’s illegal and it’s dangerous.
- Remember: Rails and recreation do not mix!
Logistick improves rail traffic safety by providing products that safely secure cargo in containers to prevent freight claim damages or falling freight due to shifting in transit. Our Intermodal Strap is specifically designed to fit the corrugation of the container walls to secure light to medium weight loads. Used in conjunction with Logistick’s banding and buckles, the Intermodal Strap is ideal for regular or irregular shaped freight. This One-Way system is great for separating stop-off shipments and the operator has no obligation to maintain ownership.
The Intermodal Strap is easy to Install, Quick for Removal and Provides Maximum Strength. Check out the Intermodal Strap on our Products page under Strapping Systems.
Sources:
http://www.justdrivepa.org/