Dorian poised to hit eastern Canada and the Port of Halifax

The Port of Halifax warned that the storm may affect pilot and terminal operations. The port handled about 547,000 twenty-foot equivalent units and nearly 4.77 million metric tons of cargo in 2018.

Jean-Marc Picard, president of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association, said he expects an uptick in trucking activity going into the storm as drivers and carriers try to move as much freight ahead of the storm – particularly medical supplies and fuel. 

“They’ll work around it until it poses any danger,” Picard said. “Ultimately you don’t want anyone stuck in the middle of a storm.”

Apart from high winds and flooded roads, potential ferry closures also have the potential to disrupt freight.

Hurricanes hit Canada relatively infrequently, arriving weakened. While typically less destructive than in the southeastern United States and the Caribbean, they can be destructive.  

In 2016, Hurricane Matthew caused an estimated C$150 million (a Canadian dollar equals US$0.76) in damage in Atlantic Canada. 

While hurricanes are unusual in the region, Picard said the trucking industry deals with temperamental weather on a regular basis.

“We’re kind of used to this kind of weather,” he said. 

For more Hurricane Dorian coverage

• Destruction to Bahamas complicates relief efforts.
• Dorian still on track to damage Southeastern U.S.
• South Florida Customs brokers spared.