The Lake Carriers' Association (LCA) announced Wednesday that dry-bulk cargo shipments totaled 10 million tons in November, an increase of 2.4 percent compared to October and an 11.9 percent climb compared to November 2011.
Limestone cargos for construction, steel production and environmental application surged 20 percent, iron ore cargos increased 14 percent and coal shipments remained relatively unchanged from year-ago levels.
Through November US-flag cargos stand at 85 million tons, an increase of 4.6 percent compared to the same point in 2010. Iron ore has increased 11 percent and limestone cargos are now 3 percent ahead of last year's pace, but coal is down by 5.9 percent.