On Friday, December 5, the Port of New York and New Jersey announced that it hit an all-time record for monthly cargo volume in October 2014.
During that month, the port handled 306,805 shipping containers, up 1 percent from the previous monthly record of 306,051 containers set in August 2013.
The increase was driven by a hike in import-loaded containers.
October 2014 stats also showed annual growth for cargo shipped on the port’s ExpressRail system, with 42,950 containers transported on rail, up 14.2 percent over October 2013. Currently, more than 14 percent of the all port traffic is transported by rail.
Figures like these indicate that the Port of New York and New Jersey remains on pace for a record year in cargo volume.
“While the improved economic conditions across the country play a large part in our success story, we’re equally pleased that the entire port community is now working together to move more cargo more quickly and efficiently,” said Port Authority Port Commerce Director Richard Larrabee. “We will continue to work with all of our port stakeholders to ensure our long-term success in attracting and retaining international shippers to our port facilities.”
COUNCIL ON PORT PERFORMANCE OFFERS KEY INFLUENCE
October’s cargo growth follows the establishment of the Port Performance Task Force, formed one year ago this week to explore ways to improve efficiency and service reliability at the port.
In June, the task force released a report consisting of 23 recommendations to enhance the flow of goods from the port to the marketplace and to improve the environment around port facilities.
Following the issuance of the report, the Council on Port Performance – consisting of various port stakeholders – was formed to explore ways to implement the recommendations.
A methodology to improve the availability of chassis on the port was recently announced, while other port performance initiatives are being addressed by newly formed implementation teams.
The Council also released a plan last month to improve cargo flow this winter in the event that severe weather impacts port terminal activity. Last winter, the harsh weather hindered cargo movement and resulted in delays in the flow of cargo. The winter plan details improvements to snow-removal operations on port terminals and roadways and provides predictability for charges associated with containers and chassis in the event that terminals are closed for a day due to adverse weather.
On the labor front, since February, 509 new dock workers were certified and added to the labor registry. Of that number, 472 are working and 238 of those workers are veterans. Though their training on heavy equipment and vessel gangs continues, they became immediately available as car drivers and baggage handlers. In addition, 49 new checkers also have been certified.