According to figures released by the Rocky River, OH-based Lakes Carriers' Association, U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters carried 10.1 million tons of dry-bulk cargo in May, an increase of 3.3 percent compared to the corresponding period of time in 2012.
U.S.-flag lakers moved 4.9 million tons of iron ore in May, 76 percent of all ore moving on the Lakes/Seaway that month. The 4.9 million tons represent a slight increase compared to a year ago, but a decrease of 3 percent compared to the months long-term average.
Coal shipments in U.S. hulls totaled 1.8 million tons, 69.6 percent of all coal moving on the Lakes/Seaway in May. The fleets May coal total was, however, a decrease of 6.2 percent compared to a year ago.
The 2.8 million tons of limestone hauled by U.S.-flag lakers in May represent both 79.1 percent of the trade that month and an increase of 14.6 percent compared to a year ago.
Through May, the U.S.-flag float stands at 22.6 million tons, a decrease of 7.4 percent compared to a year ago. Iron ore cargos are down by 7.4 percent. Coal loadings trail last year by 13.5 percent. Shipments of limestone are 2.4 percent off last years pace.