Intermodal guru Larry Gross wrote that he was of the opinion that west coast share recapture was indeed a temporary (“need for speed”) shelf re-stocking….but I believe that for some segments of the intermodal world, the “need for speed” (as demonstrated in this recovery) will continue to be a factor.
Intermodal volume rebounded from Labor day, and as Larry Gross points out, seems to be a +4=5% YOY range, but within that he sees international taking the lead back from Domestic (which includes a big boost from LA/LB transloads); Larry also points out that “normally” the seasonal peak would be showing wind-down signs in the next few weeks. But was it normal? For August, IANA reports overall NA/IM loads -2.7%, with TOFC +3% and Dom/Con +4% and international -9%. But Domestic may be running into some equipment shortages, and the trade rebound strength has surprised all economists….Chinese outbound TEUs grew 10% YOY last month.