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FTR analysis shows intermodal reaching new high in market share in Q4 2009

NASHVILLE, Ind. — Intermodal transport gained market share against trucks in the fourth quarter of 2009, reaching a new high in the process, a recent analysis by FTR Associates shows.  Intermodal’s share of U.S. long-haul (550+ mile) movements of international and domestic containerized freight was estimated to be 13.3% in the fourth quarter, up 0.2% from the third quarter and slightly above the previous high-water mark achieved in Q4 2008.  The analysis is contained in the February issue of FTR’s Intermodal Monthly Update.

“Intermodal has gained share for three consecutive quarters since the freight meltdown late last year” said Lawrence Gross, Senior Consultant for FTR and principal author of the Intermodal Monthly Update.  “This latest increase has been driven by improvement in the International Intermodal sector, an indication that imports and exports are rebounding faster than domestic traffic.  The market share of the Domestic intermodal sector, which had been growing earlier in the year, was flat in the fourth quarter.”

Gross expects the overall positive trend to continue.  “Provided that the railroads maintain their current high levels of service, we see a variety of factors leading to a resumption of domestic share growth even as the international sector continues to rebound.”

FTR Associates, located in Nashville, Ind., is the publisher of the Intermodal Monthly Update. The company’s U.S. Freight Model collects and analyzes all data likely to impact freight movement and demand, incorporating specific characteristics for over 200 commodity groups.  In addition to intermodal, FTR Associates’ forecast reports cover trucking and rail transportation.  Specially designed reports are offered to participants in both industries to cover specific needs.  For more information about the work of FTR Associates, visit www.ftrassociates.net .

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