Heavy Ice Slows U.S.-Flag Cargo Movement on Lakes in January
CLEVELAND — Heavy ice formations on the Great Lakes in January took a toll on U.S.-flag cargo movement. U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters (lakers) moved 1.5 million tons of cargo, a decrease of 31 percent compared to a year ago. The float was down even more compared to the month’s 5- year average: 40 percent.
All commodities were down, but the largest decrease came in iron ore. Shipments totaled 1.4 million tons, a drop of 23 percent.