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May 16, 2012 10:09 AM

Domestic containers were the big winner in first quarter  2012, gaining 14.9% year-over-year, according to the Intermodal Association of  North America’s Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics report.

  While a rebounding economy helped boost volume, much of  Q1’s domestic intermodal gains can be attributed to market share growth, as  trucking capacity was tight during the quarter and diesel prices resumed their  rise after softening in Q4 2011. Domestic container gains were biggest in the  East, where intermodal faces more competition from trucking.

  International volume increased 2.9%, a gain that on the  surface pales in comparison to the strength of domestic containers. Yet a  closer look at the numbers suggests that international intermodal’s Q1  performance was actually much stronger than the year-over year growth rate  would suggest. International intermodal shipments advanced 9.6% in Q1 2011.  This strong performance was driven by the need for retailers to replenish  inventories after a better-than-expected holiday sales season. The booming  growth in the first quarter of 2011 has made comparisons more challenging for  Q1 2012.

  Trailer shipments declined 6.9% year-over-year in the  quarter, and again, part of the decline is due to stronger comparisons—in Q1  2011, trailers gained 7.4%. But with containers close to 90% of the market,  overall intermodal volume gained 5.8% during this quarter. Domestic container  gains may slow in coming months as comparisons to the previous year become more  competitive, but international growth will likely accelerate. Overall,  container shipments should maintain their strong growth rate through the year.