U.S. ports see brisk November activity through Seaway System

   While the 2013 shipping season saw overall fluctuating cargo figures, U.S. ports on the Great Lakes have continued to outperform their initial projections.
   Through November, the Port of Toledo saw increases in all major cargo categories with the exception of iron ore. General cargo shipments at Midwest Terminals of Toledo have more than doubled over 2012 with aluminum, project cargo, and the resurgence of steel coils handling leading the way.  
   In November, back-to-back shipments of inbound pig iron along with a robust grain export program pushed overseas cargo in Toledo up nearly 17 percent over 2012.  Grain shipments were up 8 percent over 2012.  
   The Port of Milwaukee is also wrapping up a strong year. Salt, primarily used for street deicing, saw the largest jump in cargo volume in 2013. Through November, the Port handled 1.3 million tons of salt — more than twice the amount handled in 2012.
   The St. Lawrence Seaway reported yesterday that year-to-date total cargo shipments for the period of March 22 to November 30 were 33 million metric tons, down 6 percent over the same period in 2012. 
   U.S. grain has been a consistent bright spot throughout the shipping season. In November, 1.4 million metric tons of U.S. grain moved through the system, representing a 17-percent increase year-to-date over 2012.