Port of Virginia Reports 3.6% Drop in July Container Volume
Container volume at the Port of Virginia in July dropped 3.6% year-over-year, while it's up 1.1% for the first seven months of the calendar year, port officials announced Aug. 17.
The number of containers moved in July, measured in standard 20-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, fell to 217,910 from 225,988 in the same month a year ago.
"We knew our July volumes would be modest, but we are preparing for our peak season and we are expecting a positive trend in the coming months," John Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, said in a statement.
"Fewer vessels in July and the stress put on export volumes by the strong dollar are among the primary drivers behind our July performance," he added.
A realignment of some vessel services calling on the port resulted in nine fewer vessel calls for the month.
Export TEUs moved through the port in July fell 6.5% from the same month a year ago, while import units were flat at -0.1%.
Rail-container volume at the port was up 10% year-over-year for the period from January through July, while truck volume dropped 4%.
On a percentage basis, the port moves more cargo by rail than any other East Coast port.
