b'2American Journal ofTransportation ajot.comIntermodal on trackINTERMODAL 2024for growth in 2024Intermodal is growing as volumes continue to rise led by international containers.By Pete Goldin, AJOT Intermodaliscontinuingcosts, and congestion on the growthin2024,accordingnationsaging highways, says totheIntermodalQuarterlyJessicaKahanek,AssistantVP, reportfromtheIntermodalCommunications,Association Association of North Americaof American Railroads (AAR). (IANA).TotalintermodalIntermodalshipmentsallow volumerose7.9%year-over- businessesgreaterflexibility year (YoY) in Q2 2024theandreliability,allowingfor thirdconsecutivequarterofeasier transfer of cargo between YoY growth, including an 8.8%different modes of transport. increase reported last quarter. One of the strongest drivers International volume showedofintermodalistrucking the greatest intermodal gainsrates, and IANA reports that inQ2,withinternationalintermodals competitive position containersadding13.3%.versus trucking is not as weak Withcontainerizedimportsaslastyearbutwarnsthat ontherise,especiallyonthetheprolongedstagnationin U.S.WestCoast,theoutlook(TRACKcontinued on page 4) Union Pacific train crossing bridgeforinternationalcontainers movingbyrailisforecastto moveup13.8%forfull-year 2024,notwithstandingthe toughercomparisonsthatlie ahead, the IANA report states. Transload volume from those imports and steady production volume will be an opportunity, albeitlimitedbyexcess trucking capacity, for domestic intermodal providers.Domestic containers played asupportingrole,especially importantasthedeclinein TOFCmovescontinued, saidJoniCasey,President and CEO of IANA, referring tothefactthatdomestic containersimproved5% whiletrailersfell20.6%in Q2. Federal Reserve actions overthenextthreemonths willhelpdeterminewhether the industry can continue this progress.IANAforecasts YoY domestic container gains to be 3.5% for 2024, while the trailer segment is expected to contract19.3%.Combined with international, total North American intermodal volume is anticipated to increase 5.2% forfull-year2024compared to 2023. NACPCs goal has always provided fair pricing for the best chassis products in the Inaddition,nineoutofintermodal industry. Our latest focus is on U.S.-built specialty equipment from ten IANA regions saw growthPIC Trailers, where Superior Intermodal Chassis are built for the Texas Heavy Haul in Q2, including U.S., Mexicomarket and are equipped with factory-installed RSS (Roll Stability System). The and Western Canada. Volumesnewly introduced 40ft Lightweight Tri-Axle and the 20/40 Combo Tri-Axle with increased16.5%intheRSS are also perfect for the job in Texas and nationwide.Northwestand13.4%intheIn addition to our standard equipment, we offer a 20/40 Combo Spread Axle Southwest,thelargestgains,configuration and a range of lightweight chassis, many with gen-set mounting drivenbyimportgrowthcapabilities, and the latest addition of a 53 Domestic Container Chassis.viatheregionalports.OnlyOur managed, net lease, and premium fleets are available for daily and EasternCanadaexperiencedshort-term use. Ask us about our contribution to the new Pools of Choice in a decline, which was minimalMemphis and Kansas City.at0.5%.Inaddition,the sevenhighest-densitytrade corridors,representingmore than60%oftotalvolume,20 Slider 40 Lightweight Chassiswere all up in Q2with the20/40 Combo Spread Axle 40 Ultra-Lightweight ChassishighestgainsinMidwest- 20/40 Tri-Axle Combo with RSS 40 Lightweight Tri-Axle Chassis with RSSNorthwest (21.5%) and South40 Chassis 20/40 City Combo Central-Southwest (20.1%). 40/45 Extendable 53 Domestic Container ChassisI ntermodalV s . t ruckIngRail intermodal is a critical, cost-effectivetransportation solution,especiallyasthe truckingindustryfacestruckREQUEST A QUOTE | SALES@ NACPC.ORGdrivershortages,risingfuel'