CALVERTON, Md. — Intermodal activity is up in Eastern Canada, posting a volume increase of 6.5% in the second quarter compared to the same time last year.

The region’s share of total North American intermodal shipments increased one point to 8% in the second quarter.

“This positive showing can be attributed to strong domestic intermodal statistics, which increased 7%,” the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) reported.

The association released data this week that showed domestic container volume continued its steady performance in the second quarter, posting a 9% year-over-year gain. The growth was attributed to the big box segment. Total intermodal traffic rose 2.4% in the quarter.

International volume, however, fell 1.3% in the second quarter, after posting a 3% Q1 gain. IANA chalked the decrease in international volumes to “surprisingly weak shipments in June, with loads falling 6% from a year ago.”

Intermodal trailer volumes dropped 2.5% year-over-year in the second quarter, but the decline was less than half of what was experienced in the first quarter.

“Domestic container volume was the foundation of intermodal growth in both the second quarter and year to date,” said Joni Casey, president and CEO of IANA. “Despite some segments slowing in Q2, the Market Trends and Statistics data confirm the industry’s underlying momentum.”

The quarterly report can be obtained by e-mailing tara@intermodal.org.