U.S.-Flag Cargo Movement on Lakes Up 9.7 Percent in April
CLEVELAND – U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters (lakers) moved 7.3 million tons of cargo in April, an increase of 9.7 percent compared to a year ago. The April float was also 7 percent above the month’s 5-year average.
Iron ore cargos for the steel industry totaled 4.4 million tons, an increase of 30 percent compared to a year. However, coal shipments to power plants and steel mills slipped to 1.2 million tons, a decrease of 11 percent. Limestone loads for construction projects and steel production totaled 1.4 million tons, a decrease of two or three boatloads.