Ports

The journey of much of our nation’s commerce begins or ends at our ports – whether they are on the East, West or Gulf Coasts.  Billions of dollars in economic goods pass through these vital trading routes and to ensure America is able to export products from our businesses we must ensure these ports operate more efficiently and can handle the projected increase in cargo traffic. According to the American Association of Port Authorities, there are 360 American sea and river ports.  By 2020, every major U.S. container port is projected to at least double the volume of cargo it was designed to handle.  Some West Coast ports will triple in volume and some West Coast ports will quadruple.  On an average day, some 43 million tons of goods valued at $29 billion move on the nation’s interconnected network of ports, roads, rails and inland waterways.

While our nation has vibrant network of port facilities, we are not doing enough to keep up with our international competitors.  Other countries are leapfrogging past us by investing in world-class ports.  China is investing $6.9 billion; the port of Shanghai now has almost as much container capacity as all U.S. ports combined (Source: Brookings Institute).

With the increase in supersized vessels, it is more critical than ever before that the appropriate resources are devoted to deepening our ports as to accommodate these new and larger vessels. The number of the world's Post-Panamax vessels, container ships that are too large to fit through the Panama Canal, increased from 331 in 2001 to 561 in 2004, with another 426 on order (USDOT MARAD 2005). We must wisely invest in port deepening projects so that we remain competitive with ports like Halifax and Vancouver. 

Impediments to the efficient movement of goods can help drive up costs to consumers.  Too often outdated infrastructure impedes the efficient flow of goods into and out of our ports.  We must also employ innovative ideas and technologies to help reduce congestion at our nation’s ports.  Initiatives like the Port of Los Angeles’ PierPass have helped make strides in reducing bottlenecks. 

To remain  economically competitive with the rest of the world, means having a modern and first class port system.