Commerce Express Weekly Road Map:
August 6th, 2024
Keeping you informed on the latest news/insights in our industry.
U.S. Southeast Expecting Impacts from Hurricane Debby
Hurricane Debby has made landfall in Florida and beyond. According to Florida officials, the Florida transportation sustained minimal damage, including some areas of wind damage and flooding. Florida DOT recommends drivers to download the FL511 app or visit their website for closures and potential detours.
Additionally, Port Tampa Bay closed their waterways on Saturday (8/3) and has stayed closed for part of Monday (8/5). However, the Port announced late Monday night that they have resumed vessel operations, and their shipping channels are re-opened, with a few restrictions.
The Port of Savannah closed early on Monday (8/5) and will be closed on Tuesday (8/6) as the storm is predicted to hit the Georgia coast by Tuesday night. The port, in a website advisory, said they plan to reopen on Wednesday morning but with a delayed start, which will be confirmed some time today.
Port of Brunswick will not be receiving inbound vessels until they receive the all clear from the Coast Guard. Colonel’s Island and Mayor’s Point Terminal are also closed today (8/5) and scheduled to reopen on Wednesday.
What truckers in the U.S. South and East Coast should know:
- It’s crucial to stay informed about a hurricane’s forecasted path and how it intersects with their trucking route.
- Avoid flood zones and make sure your vehicle has a full tank.
- Use your best judgement to prioritize your safety.
Commerce Blog
While conditions have returned to normal, the temporary stoppage was a serious issue. CN’s main line was shut down through Jasper, the Alberta town devastated by the wildfires, which choked intermodal freight moving to and from the seaports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert, the two largest trade centers on the Canadian West Coast.
Last week’s service outage reduced the flow of traffic to Vancouver by 46 percent and to Prince Rupert by 42 percent, according to RailState. The disruption also had a notable impact on transit times for eastbound rail traffic (moving from the ports) due to congestion spawned by the number of trains held while the line was closed.
What can be done amid freight rail, intermodal disruptions? Read more..
Intermodal: The ongoing situation between TCRC union and CN/CPKC has impacted some intermodal loads for CN railway. Per CN data provided to the JOC, intermodal volume has decreased 17% between May 12th to July 14th.
As we’ve mentioned in previous weeks, the CIRB is expected to release their decision on whether a strike/lockout would impact “essential services” to the public, by August 9th.
U.S. Labor Uncertainty: The East/Gulf Coast Dockworker contract expires on September 30th and recently the International Longshoremen’s Association announced they will present their final contract demands to union delegates at a meeting September 4-5th and will also outline strike strategies if an agreement is not reached before the contract expires. A couple key issues in these negotiations are wage increases and automation issues.
Diesel Update: This week the average price of diesel dipped 1.3 cents. Making the average diesel price $3.755, per the U.S. EIA.
Intermodal: Norfolk Southern is investing over $200 million to expand capacity on the 3B Corridor in Alabama, per AJOT. These investments will enhance its ability to connect regional markets to global destinations and support the Southeast’s economic growth. The 3B Corridor is aligned with the Port of Mobile and plays a key role for Norfolk Southern’s traffic.
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