U.S.-Flag Cargo Movement on Lakes Off Slightly in July
CLEVELAND—U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters (lakers) carried 10.3 million tons of dry-bulk cargo in July, a slight increase over June, but a decrease of 2.2 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. The July float was also down 6.6 percent from the month’s long-term average. U.S.-flag lakers moved 4.6 million tons of iron ore in July, 76.7 percent of all ore moving on the Lakes/Seaway that month. The 4.6 million tons represent a 6.7 increase compared to a year ago, but a drop of 5.7 percent compared to the month’s long-term average. Coal shipments in U.S. hulls totaled 2 million tons in July, 70.6 percent of all coal moving on the Lakes that month. The 2 million tons represent an increase of 13.5 percent compared to a year ago, but a decrease of 14.4 percent compared to the month’s long-term average.