The following is the text of a news release from the Lake Carriers' Association:
(CLEVELAND) — U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters (lakers) carried 7.9 million tons of cargo in November, a decrease of 15 percent compared to both a year ago and the month’s long-term average.
Iron ore cargoes decreased 22 percent in November compared to a year ago. Coal cargoes fell 16 percent. Limestone loadings dipped 5 percent.
Year-to-date U.S.-flag cargoes total 79.8 million tons, a decrease of 1 percent compared to the same point in 2014, and a drop of 3 percent compared to the long-term average for the January-November time frame. Iron ore cargoes have decreased 8 percent compared to a year ago. Coal shipments are up 4 percent. Limestone loadings have increased 8 percent.
The Lake Carriers’ Association represents 15 American companies that operate 56 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes and carry the raw materials that drive the nation’s economy: iron ore and fluxstone for the steel industry, aggregate and cement for the construction industry, coal for power generation, as well as salt, sand and grain. Collectively, these vessels can transport more than 100 million tons of cargo per year. More information is available at www.lcaships.com.
