Strong Start to Ore Trade Lifts U.S.-Flag Lakes Float in March
CLEVELAND — U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters (lakers) moved 2.1 million tons of dry-bulk cargo in March, an increase of nearly 19 percent compared to a year ago, and a 28 percent increase over the month’s 5-year average.
Iron ore for steel production spurred the increase. Loadings rose 27 percent to 1.7 million tons. Iron ore shipments were up even more, 48 percent, when compared to the month’s 5-year average.