SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
GULF COAST TRADE AND LOGISTICS
Rising tide
Gulf Coast ports ’ expansion , investments invigorate US economy
By Gary Wollenhaupt
Spurred by convenient location , international trade prowess and transportation assets — not to mention congestion at West Coast ports during the COVID-19 pandemic — container traffic has been consistently shifting from the US West Coast to the Gulf and East coasts over the last five years .
Shippers have recognized the advantages and reduced costs of ocean vessel service to the Gulf Coast compared with crosscountry intermodal service from the
West Coast , along with access to major regional markets and large population centers along the Eastern Seaboard .
Serving a broad range of industries and markets both nationally and internationally , East and Gulf coast ports receive more than 68 % of all containerized exports and 56 % of imports , with an average daily trade value exceeding $ 2.1 billion , according to the National Association of Manufacturers . www . joc . com December 2 , 2024 | Journal of Commerce 47