Savannah Cargo Volume Rises 3% in October
The October total was 321,094 container units, measured by the industry-standard based on a 20-foot container. Import loads rose nearly 9% and export loads fell 7%. The October total topped the 317,411 TEU that came through the port in September.
“Month-over-month container volume growth continues to outperform expectations,” Executive Director Curtis Foltz said, speaking at a GPA board meeting. “Inflated volumes in 2014 due to West Coast cargo diversions are beginning to return to normal levels. We are optimistic consumer spending in the U.S. during the upcoming holiday season will lead to volume growth going into 2016.”
Earlier this month, the Port of Los Angeles, the largest in the United States, reported total shipments handled fell 1.5% from the same month of 2014. Three days earlier, neighboring Long Beach, California, the second-largest U.S. port, announced a 6.3% rise in shipments.
However, imports declined on a year-over-year basis slightly at both West Coast ports.
Los Angeles imports dropped 3.3% year-over-year, and cargo arriving in the United States at Long Beach dipped 0.8%.
Comments from both ports said the results were an indication of a solid freight market. Long Beach’s total was the best October in eight years.
“Our terminals, labor and supply chain partners are adjusting to the cargo surges and other fluctuations that come with the larger vessels that are now calling in L.A. — and that’s a good sign,” Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said in a statement.
The Port of New York and New Jersey, third-largest in the United States and No. 1 on the East Coast, hasn’t yet reported October cargo activity.
