Despite overall rising freight volume in the US, domestic water freight volume witnessed a decline of over 2% between 2006 and 2011 to just over 500 billion ton-miles. The share of total freight hauled by domestic water vessels will continue to shrink in the face of competition from trucks, rail and intermodal transport. During the recession, sluggish manufacturing production and slow retail spending reduced the demand for freight transportation even further.

However, industry conditions will improve as the economy stabilizes and demand for freight services increases. Recovering consumer confidence and increased spending will support growth in freight volumes, boosting industry demand. There are approximately 12,000 miles of navigable inland waterways used by the domestic shipping trades in the United States, not including the Great Lakes. The addition of those waterways would double the figure. US ports and waterways handle more than 2 billion tons of domestic and import/export cargo annually. By 2020, the total volume of cargo shipped by water is expected to be double that of 2001 volumes.

Analyzing Domestic Water Shipping in the US

A new report from Aruvians Research analyzes the US domestic water shipping market with regards to freight in its research offering Analyzing Domestic Water Shipping in the US. The report is a complete analysis of the industry through the leading segments of freight moved through coastal shipping, through internal waterway shipping, and through the Great Lakes and other waterways in the US.

This report analyzes the US market for freight moved through domestic water shipping through an industry overview, an analysis of the market demand, as well as an analysis of the market by different types of domestic water shipping systems.

Industry trends across different types of segments are analyzed, followed by an analysis of the industry structure. Regulatory framework governing the industry is also looked at.

The industry's future perspective is looked at through a segment-wise market forecast as well as an industry outlook.

An analysis of the major market players such as Ingram Industries, Kirby Corporation, SEACOR Holdings, and others is carried out through a corporate profile, business segment analysis, financial analysis, industry presence, and a SWOT analysis, completing this comprehensive analysis of the Domestic Water Shipping in the US.