Port of New York/New Jersey handles record cargo volume

During October, the port handled 306,805 shipping containers, surpassing the previous monthly record of 306,051 containers handled in August 2013.    The Port of New York and New Jersey said it handled a record amount of cargo in October and expects to have a record-breaking year in 2014.
   During October, the port handled 306,805 shipping containers, surpassing the previous monthly record of 306,051 containers handled in August 2013. The increase was driven by a hike in import loaded containers, up 1 percent over the previous best month on record. Last year, the port handled 3,169,835 containers.
   Cargo shipped on the port’s ExpressRail system also continued to grow, with 42,950 containers transported on rail, up 14.2 percent over October 2013. More than 14 percent of the total port traffic is now transported by rail.
   “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.
   One year ago, the port created a task force comprised of industry leaders that in June made 23 recommendations on ways to improve the port.
   The port created a Council of Port Performance to implement those recommendations, and Larrabee said the port will continue to work with stakeholders “to ensure our long-term success in attracting and retaining international shippers.”
   The council announced the implementation of a port-wide chassis pool last month as well as a plan to improve cargo flow in the event of severe weather.
   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.
   The port notes that 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.