WASHINGTON: Container volume at the Port of Virginia last month edged up 2 percent from its record-breaking gain in the same month a year ago. That means it’s done it again, marking its best September to date. The port’s terminals moved 219,857 containers, as measured in standard 20-foot units, or TEUs, up from 215,520 units last year.
Last month was the port’s eighth in a row with TEU volumes of more than 210,000 units. “The peak-season cargo flow is steady – import TEUs were up 7 percent – and we are maintaining our consistency in delivery of service,” John Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, said in a statement. “Our productivity across the operation continues to trend in positive territory.”
Rail-container volume last month surged 16.4 percent year-over-year, while truck-container volume fell 5.7 percent. Breakbulk tonnage – noncontainerized cargo packed in or on bales, drums or pallets – dropped 15.6 percent. Export TEU volume was down 1.8 percent. September’s results followed the port’s single-month record for container volume in August – the busiest month in its history.
