Port Tracker predicts turn around for retail container traffic

These conclusions are based on a survey and analysis of inbound container traffic flows at the ports of Charleston, Hampton Roads, Houston, Long Beach, Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, Oakland, Savannah, Seattle and Tacoma.

“With the most crucial spending period of the year just weeks away, retailers have made careful decisions on the amount of merchandise they need to properly stock their stores during the holidays,” said Jonathan Gold, the NRF’s vice president for supply chain and customs policy. “This year, retailers have the luxury of importing holiday goods later than last year, which better ensures their inventory levels will accurately meet consumer demand.”

The ports included in the Global Port Tracker survey handled a total of 1.32m teu in July, the latest month for which finalised numbers are available. That was up 6% from the preceding month, but down 4% from July 2010. August was unchanged from a year ago with an estimated 1.42m teu.