Containerized cargo volumes at the Port of Mobile continue to climb in 2021 as shippers seek uncongested gateways servicing key North American markets, according to those at the Port. In August, container volume through the Port increased 34% over August 2020 volume, while year-to-date volume posted 27% over the same period last year. Part of that success is tied to a 37% increase in refrigerated containers due to nearly $74 million in refrigerated facilities investment at the Port to support cold cargo supply chains. 

Port of Oakland beef exports—almost exclusively to Asia—increased 25% this year between January and July. Those at the Port called the surge extraordinary in a year when shipping disruptions have hobbled global supply chains. Oakland exported the equivalent of 25,200 20-foot containers of beef through July. The number for the same period last year was 20,100. Oakland estimated the total value of beef exports at $1.5 billion in the first seven months of 2021.

Blackline Cold Storage announced it will develop, construct and operate a new 298,000 sf state-of-the-art cold storage facility to be owned in partnership with Artemis Real Estate Partners at the Port of Houston, on a 36-acre site it is purchasing in the TGS Cedar Port Industrial Park. The rail-connected site is strategically located within the heavy-haul corridor in close proximity to the Barbours Cut and Bayport container terminals and with convenient access to the regional interstate highway system and provides Blackline the land for phased expansion up to 650,800 sf at full buildout.

How ports in Jacksonville, Mobile, and Oakland are increasing cold storage capabilities to meet demand for cold food imports and exports.

The North Carolina State Ports Authority set a new record for refrigerated container volume. North Carolina Ports moved 1,459 refrigerated containers--2,918 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units)--through the Port of Wilmington during the month of April.

Find out what the supply chain and logistics industry can expect with regards to regulations with food, transport, equipment and more come 2020.