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Cargo Trends: Global Port Tracker, Indiana, Grays Harbor, Green Bay

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Import volume at the largest U.S. containerized merchandise handling ports rose an estimated 2.8 percent in CY 2013, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released January 10 by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates. The Ohio River Port of Indiana-Mount Vernon finished 2013 with more cargo during the fourth quarter than any other quarter in its 37-year history. Liquid bulks, American-grown agricultural products and American-made autos and biodiesel were among the diverse cargoes that moved in record quantities through the Port of Grays Harbor in 2013. The Port of Green Bay ended the 2013 shipping season on top, surpassing its goal of 2 million metric tons of cargo for the year. A total of 2.2 million metric tons of material were imported and exported during the shipping season, an increase of 16 percent from 2012 and the highest tonnage since 2007.  

Global Port Tracker: Containerized Retail Imports Up Estimated 2.8 percent in 2013, Good Growth Prospects for 2014 

Import volume at the largest U.S. containerized merchandise handling ports rose an estimated 2.8 percent in CY 2013, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released January 10 by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.  The report also predicts nearly uninterrupted year-on-year growth for at least the next five months.

Global Port Tracker’s conclusions are based on a survey and analysis of inbound container traffic flows at the ports of Charleston, Hampton Roads, Houston, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Oakland, Port Everglades, Savannah, Seattle and Tacoma.

U.S. ports followed by Global Port Tracker handled 1.37 million TEUs in November, the latest month for which finalized numbers are available. That was down 4.3 percent from the preceding month but up 6.5 percent from November 2012. 

December is estimated at 1.35 million TEUs, up 5 percent from 2012. That brings the estimated calendar year total to 16.3 million TEUs, from 15.8 million in 2012 and 14.8 million in 2011.

Subsequent month forecasts: January 2014 – 1.37 million TEUs (+4.8 percent); February – 1.18 million TEUs (-7.5 percent); March – 1.32 million TEUs (+15.9 percent); April – 1.4 million TEUs (+7.7 percent); May – 1.46 million TEUs (+4.6 percent).

"The new year looks to be stronger than the outgoing one, with better-than-expected GDP figures, lower unemployment rates and continued low inflation," said Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett. "Expectations of a stronger dollar will also help to increase consumer confidence as import prices continue to fall."

Fourth quarter shipments set record at Port of Indiana-Mount Vernon

The Ohio River Port of Indiana-Mount Vernon finished 2013 with more cargo during the fourth quarter than any other quarter in its 37-year history. The 1.59 million tons handled in October-December 2013 also exceeded the total annual volume for each of the port's first five years of operation.

"Because of the extremely strong fourth quarter, 2013 is one for the record books," said Port Director Phil Wilzbacher. "This was the first time our shipments exceeded 500,000 tons for two consecutive months, let alone three consecutive months. Coal, fertilizer and a record grain harvest were the primary reasons for the surge in shipments at the end of 2013."

For the year, the port handled more than 4.15 million tons, a 21-percent jump from 2012 due in great part to heavy movements of coal, grain, soy products and fertilizer. Coal alone increased by 47 percent over 2012, fertilizers by 42 percent and grain by 38 percent. Coal, grain and soy products accounted for 75 percent of the port's 2013 cargo tonnage.

During the year as well, the port received approximately 2,200 barges, 85,000 trucks and 26,000 railcars.

Overview of the Port of Indiana-Mount Vernon.
Photo Copyright © Ports of Indiana

Grays Harbor Cargo Resurgence Continues with Room to Spare 

Liquid bulks, American-grown agricultural products and American-made autos and biodiesel were among the diverse cargoes that moved in record quantities through the Port of Grays Harbor in 2013. 

More than 87,000 Chrysler automobiles were delivered to the port for processing and loading for export by Pasha Automotive Services, a 23 percent increase from 2012. In August, the company completed construction of its $3.5 million Grays Harbor processing facility. 

Pasha Stevedoring and Terminals also handled a record 13,609 metric tons of over-size equipment for export. Export logs hit a 15-year high of 52.9 million board feet, thanks to port customers Alcan and Dkoram.   

The port’s booming cargo business spurred an 11-percent jump in longshore work time to 176,000 hours and generated 102 ship calls, up from 82 in 2012 and just eight a decade ago.

"Grays Harbor is regaining our position as a major export, and import hub for North America and we have plenty of space and berth availability to meet demand as we continue to grow," reports Port Deputy Executive Director Leonard Barnes.  

Green Bay Has Best Cargo Year Since 2007

The Port of Green Bay ended the 2013 shipping season on top, surpassing its goal of 2 million metric tons of cargo for the year. A total of 2.2 million metric tons of material were imported and exported during the shipping season, an increase of 16 percent from 2012 and the highest tonnage since 2007.   

"Our goal for 2013 was to reach 2 million tons and we exceeded that," said Port and Resource Recovery Director Dean Haen.
"Overall, U.S. salt increased by 35 percent, foreign salt went up 84 percent and coal and limestone both increased 21 percent from last year’s totals."

"We can offer businesses a competitive edge when it comes to transportation needs that other cities can’t because of the port," he noted. "I’m confident the port will remain a valuable resource because it can meet today’s market demands and has potential to draw new business to the area."
 

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