Business, Feature, Freight News, Sea

Port Houston’s July Box Volume Slips

[ September 10, 2024   //   Gary G Burrows ]

Port Houston’s container volume slipped a 5 percent in July compared to the same month last year, handling 325,277 TEUs, as the port dealt with both Hurricane Beryl and a global system outage that briefly impacted operation.
Container volume is still up 10 percent year-to-date, reaching 2.42 million 20-foot equivalent units, as the port prepares for a strong peak season.
Loaded imports have risen 9 percent year-to-date, surpassing 1 million TEUs, fueled by robust consumer demand supported by new import distribution centers in the area as importers have reconfigured their networks to include more volume via Houston.
Loaded exports have also increased 12 percent year-to-date, driven primarily by the booming resin market. Port Houston continues to stand as the nation’s primary gateway for resin exports, with a market share of 60 percent.
Port Houston credited its 10 percent rise in container volume on improved Caribbean, South America, and East Asia trade. Total empty containers are also up 10 percent compared to last year, as ocean carriers reposition containers for import cargo.
“Our double-digit growth so far this year underscores Port Houston’s resilience and strategic significance in the global supply chain and we are expecting a strong third quarter as well,” said Roger Guenther, Executive Director at Port Houston.
“Locally we faced some challenges this month, but our team excelled at rebounding quickly and maintaining the first-rate customer service Port Houston is known for,” said Roger Guenther, who recently retired as CEO. “I’m immensely proud of our team and as I transition into retirement at the end of this month, I am certain the Port will continue its successful trajectory for many years to come.”
Port Houston’s ongoing infrastructure investments will include adding three new ship-to-shore cranes to its existing fleet at the Bayport Container Terminal last month. Once operational, these cranes will enhance the capacity and efficiency of Wharf 6 and Wharf 2 at Bayport.
Steel volumes at Port Houston’s multipurpose facilities decreased 14 percent in July compared to July 2023 and are down 9 percent year-to-date. General cargo also declined 12 percent year-to-date, however plywood, wind power equipment, and wood/fiberboard are all up at our facility.
Total tonnage across all facilities as increased 3 percent year-to-date, to 30.89 million tons.

Tags: Port Houston