The Lake Carriers' Association (LCA) said Friday that US-flag Great Lakes freighters 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.
US-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 US 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.
The 3.1 million tons of limestone hauled by US-flag lakers in July represent 87 percent of the Lakes trade in that commodity that month. However, the 3.1 million tons represent a decrease of 20 percent compared to a year ago. The decrease is much more modest - 3.3 percent -compared to the month's long-term average.
Through July, the US-flag float stands at 43.1 million tons, a decrease of 4.1 percent compared to a year ago. Iron ore cargos are down by 3.7 percent. Coal loadings are virtually unchanged from a year ago, and shipments of limestone are 7.8 percent off last year's pace.