Intermodal volumes jumped 8.4 percent year-over-year in the first quarter, as consumer demand improved and inventory acquisition rose

, according to the Intermodal Association of North America.

In recent data released by IANA, total intermodal volumes rose to about 3 million in the first quarter, compared to about 2.8 million in the 2009 quarter. The strongest growth was in domestic container volume, which was up 15.7 percent over 2009.

"Compared to 0.1 percent growth during Q1 09, this new growth indicates the up-tick is not just a rebound from last year's depressed volume levels," IANA said in a statement.

Domestic container volume increased every month during the quarter, with 10 percent growth in January and more than 20 percent growth in March. All U.S. regions recorded increases in domestic container volume greater than 10 percent year-over-year. However, Canadian domestic container shipments were down 1 percent.

The quarter saw a 7.8 percent gain in international containers, posting an 18 percent boost in the month of March.

"With the first quarter off to a strong start, and the emerging economic recovery, continued strong service levels, growing domestic container fleets, and rising fuel prices, intermodal appears poised for a strong rebound in 2010," IANA said.