Containerized cargo volumes at the Port of Mobile continue to climb in 2021 as shippers seek uncongested gateways servicing key North American markets, according to those at the Port. In August, container volume through the Port increased 34% over August 2020 volume, while year-to-date volume posted 27% over the same period last year. Part of that success is tied to a 37% increase in refrigerated containers due to nearly $74 million in refrigerated facilities investment at the Port to support cold cargo supply chains. 

Port of Oakland beef exports—almost exclusively to Asia—increased 25% this year between January and July. Those at the Port called the surge extraordinary in a year when shipping disruptions have hobbled global supply chains. Oakland exported the equivalent of 25,200 20-foot containers of beef through July. The number for the same period last year was 20,100. Oakland estimated the total value of beef exports at $1.5 billion in the first seven months of 2021.

How ports in Jacksonville, Mobile, and Oakland are increasing cold storage capabilities to meet demand for cold food imports and exports.

Amid a devastating pandemic that’s crippling economies worldwide, here’s a Port of Oakland (Port) bright spot: meat exports to Asia. the Port said today its meat exports jumped 26% in the first quarter of 2020 over Q1 2019. The Port said it now controls 42% of the market for meat exports leaving U.S. West Coast ports. Its nearest competitor, the Port of Long Beach, has 31% of the market.

The North Carolina State Ports Authority set a new record for refrigerated container volume. North Carolina Ports moved 1,459 refrigerated containers--2,918 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units)--through the Port of Wilmington during the month of April.

The Port of Mobile’s newest refrigerated cargo facility is on track for an early 2021 opening at one of the nation’s fastest growing container ports. The facility is located outside the gates of the seaport’s container terminal operated by APM Terminals and has immediate access to I-10. The distribution center will be one of the largest of its kind in the Southeast. Its proximity to the container terminal and max loading capabilities will not only add value but help customers reduce their carbon footprint by limiting the number of trucks on the road.