U.S.-Flag Cargo Movement on Lakes Up 2.3 Percent in June
CLEVELAND—U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters (lakers) carried 10.1 million tons of dry-bulk cargo in June, a virtual repeat of the preceding month, and an increase of 2.3 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. The June float was, however, down 2.9 percent from the month’s long-term average. U.S.-flag lakers moved 4.6 million tons of iron ore in June, 76.1 percent of all ore moving on the Lakes/Seaway that month.
The 4.6 million tons represent a 2-percent decrease compared to a year ago, and a drop of 2.6 percent compared to the month’s long-term average. Coal shipments in U.S. hulls totaled 2 million tons, an increase of 18 percent compared to a year ago, but a decrease of 12 percent compared to the month’s long-term average. The 3 million tons of limestone hauled by U.S.-flag lakers in June represent 82.1 percent of the trade month and a repeat of a year ago.