US East Coast loses out to inland ports

Although the Port of New York and New Jersey said its container terminals have recorded increases in truck gate moves and reductions in dwell time for containers, a spokesperson from Canada’s Port of Montreal told Port Strategy it “may have already benefitted from re-routed cargo”.

It seems while things slowed down in New York, Montreal was a popular option as the shortest direct route from Europe and the Mediterranean to North America and a “one-stop port”.

“Container dwell time in Montreal is less than North America East Coast standards. On average, less than 60 hours is needed for the entire process, from vessel’s discharge to reach Midwest customers,” explained the spokesperson.

The delays are also prompting other East Coast ports to take advantage. The Port of Canaveral in Florida, for example, is building two new cargo berths and a new container terminal and has just received its first ship-to-shore cranes.

The port is also working on an inland port in South Titusville and new railroad tracks to connect the port of Florida East Coast Rail.

“All ports on the East Coast vie for the same customer base and are looking to get their market share to the US Midwest. There are some issues specific to each of the East Coast ports and it certainly creates movements and adjustments on a regular basis in the market,” added the spokesperson.