A turning tide for U.S. seaports: Security, infrastructure, and getting business back on its feet after a disaster are the new challenges for the maritime industry and shippers

摘要

A merican seaports are facing an unprecedented challenge when it comes to their competitiveness in comparison to foreign ports. While labor issues and the ability to handle growing cargo volumes are concerns shared globally, several issues are unique to the U.S. maritime industry, including a preoccupation (albeit understandable) with security, a critical shortage of federal funding, record breaking cargo volumes and congestion, and never before experienced strains on the nation's intermodal infrastructure. The effect on shippers has been equally dramatic. While previous reactions by major importers have typically been temporary diversions of cargo, many shippers say they're making permanent changes in their supply chain to avoid certain ports altogether or alternatively, to move some cargo to an air freight program.