U.S.-Flag Cargo Movement on Lakes Steady Again in July

U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters (lakers) moved 9.8 million tons of cargo in July, a virtual tie with a year ago. The July float was, however, 6.4 percent below the month’s five-year average.

Iron ore cargos for steel production totaled 5.2 million tons, an increase of five percent.  The July ore float was also the highest monthly total for U.S.-flag lakers since December 2014.

Coal loads totaled 1.3 million tons, a decrease of nearly 11 percent.  Shipments of aggregate, fluxstone, chemical stone and scrubber stone totaled 2.7 million tons, a decrease of three percent compared to a year ago.

Year-to-date U.S.-flag cargo movement stands at 38.35 million tons, a decrease of 4.8 percent compared to the same point in 2017.  Iron ore cargos total 21.5 million tons, a decrease of 5.9 percent.  Coal loadings total 4.9 million tons, a decrease of 17.5 percent.  Limestone tops 9.9 million tons, an increase of 6.4 percent.