Inbound Logistics | May 2023

INTERMODAL ADDSVALUE

of the U.S. population is within an overnight drive from Maryland. These features have helped drive growth at the Port of Baltimore. It ranks 11th among major U.S. ports for foreign cargo handled and ninth for total foreign cargo value. Through its six public marine terminals, the Port of Baltimore handles roll-on/roll-off shipments, container and breakbulk/project cargo, and forest products. The port also handles specialized cargo, like machinery used to build power plants, transit systems, airports, and other massive, complex projects. DIRECT CONNECTIONS When it’s time to move cargo from the port, two Class 1 rail carriers, Norfolk Southern and CSX, offer on-dock services. Both offer direct connections to Midwest markets. Interstates I-95 and I-70 are minutes from the port. About 250 trucking companies, including many specialized heavy haulers, can transport nearly any type of cargo and offer connections across the United States and Canada. The Port of Baltimore’s proximity to major farm and construction equipment manufacturers in the Midwest has helped it become a leading port in the United States for exporting combines, tractors, and hay balers. It also leads in importing excavators and backhoes. Balterm, the port’s terminal for forest products, is a top handler of imported forest products. This is due in large part

to its exclusive stevedoring company, Tartan Terminals. Tartan has more than 180 employees who have received extensive training in the specialized needs of the forest products industry. The terminal also offers more than 1.1 million square feet of warehouse space. Just a handful of East Coast ports can handle ships carrying 14,000-plus TEUs and Baltimore is one. Its $220-million Seagirt terminal boasts a berth that’s 50-feet deep, as well as 11 cranes, including four Neo-Panamax cranes that can reach 22 containers across. Seagirt can process 1.5 million TEU containers annually. Because cargo moves efciently from the dock, the impact on truck trafc and the environment is mitigated. In June 2022, the Port of Baltimore announced it would receive a $15.6-million grant to reconstruct and update the Seagirt Terminal’s intermodal rail yard infrastructure to support increased demand for double stacked trains of containerized cargo. The improvements will include new rail tracks and two crane rail beams. “This is terric news for the Port of Baltimore,” said William P. Doyle, executive director, Maryland Port Administration and Port of Baltimore, in a statement. He notes that improving intermodal rail operations is a top priority, as rail service from the Port of Baltimore to the Midwest is increasing, as the port gains shippers diverting around congested gateways. n

MARYLAND PORT ADMINISTRATION: A TOP CARGO PORT

In 1963, or about one year before the other Beatles landed stateside, the Volkswagen Beetle made its U.S. debut through the Port of Baltimore. Today, Baltimore has become the top automobile port in the United States. One reason is its stellar automobile service and handling capabilities. A barcode scanning system captures detailed information about every vehicle that moves through the Port of Baltimore, as well as the drivers handling them, accurately tracking inventory and reducing damage. The Quality Cargo Handling Action Team (QCHAT) program is recognized across the globe for its successful port- wide quality care program. In addition, the port has dedicated more than 700 acres to handling automobiles and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) cargo. Indeed, Baltimore handles more roll-on/roll-off farm and construction machinery than any other U.S. port. This cargo typically is expensive to move and requires special care. The port’s highly skilled and trained labor force ensures all RoRo cargo is carefully handled. Because the Port of Baltimore is about 150 miles farther inland than other Mid- Atlantic ports, it’s closer to many factories that are exporting goods, while imports coming through the port can more quickly reach the Baltimore-Washington consumer market. More than one-third

The Port of Baltimore is the top-ranked automobile port in the United States. Improving intermodal rail operations is a priority because rail service from the port to the Midwest is increasing as the port gains shippers. Upcoming improvements include new rail tracks and crane rail beams.

88 Inbound Logistics • May 2023