New York/New Jersey’s record year for containers

The 2011 numbers show increases of 4.1% for inbound loads, 6.8% for outbound loads, and 0.3% for empty containers. The port authority’s on-dock ExpressRail system also set a new record in 2011, handling 422,144 containers, or 12% more than in 2010.

Based on container volumes the bi-state port ranks first on the East Coast and third in the Americas, behind the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

With the steady rise in cargo volume, the port authority is continuing to invest in several critical port projects. In December 2011, US$39m was authorised to design and reconstruct a section of a road along with the wharf and culvert at Berth 3 in Port Newark. This followed action to widen a road in the Elizabeth-Port Authority Marine Terminal.