Moghadam delivered his comments in AMB's quarterly earningsconference call with financial analysts. In his introductoryremarks to the conference call, Moghadam said that 2010 "is shapingup to be a very good year for us." Among the factors he cited inAMB's positive outlook were improvements in global trade,increasing confidence among the company's customers andbetter-than-expected financial results from transportation-basedlogistics providers.

Moghadam pointed out that, since bottoming in early 2009, globaltrade "has been improving at a healthy pace in both the ocean andthe air sectors." Container volumes through the major global portsare up about 24% from the trough, although still 7% to 10% belowcomparable periods in 2007 and 2008, he noted. International aircargo is up 28% year-to-date from its January 2009 trough, whichMoghadam called "an unexpected and positive surprise" that is theresult of "customers who continue to manage their lean inventory."Air cargo volumes are now only about 5% to 10% below peak levels,he added.

Regarding customer sentiment, the AMB chief—who pointed out inlast quarter's conference call that customers were beginning toexpress confidence—said that confidence continued to grow in thelatest quarter, although it will be some time before thatconfidence translates into increased demand. Other factors thatMoghadam cited in his presentation included increases inmanufacturing, industrial production and consumer spending.