U.S.-Flag Cargo Movement on Lakes Down 6.4 Percent in June
CLEVELAND – U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters (lakers) moved 9.65 million tons of cargo in June, a decrease of 6.4 percent compared to a year ago. The June float was also 5 percent below the month’s 5-year average.
Iron ore cargos for the steel industry totaled 4.8 million tons, an increase of 8 percent compared to a year ago. Coal shipments to power plants and steel mills fell to 1.5 million tons, a decrease of nearly 28 percent. Limestone loads for construction projects and steel production totaled 2.9 million tons, a decrease of 4.4 percent compared to a year ago.