Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to be up 9% in December over December 2009, and 2010 should end with a 17% increase over last year, according to the National Retail Federation.
“The nation’s improving economy has been reflected in the amount of merchandise imported by retailers this year,” said NRF VP for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold. “Import levels have seen solid increases throughout the year and we expect that to continue in 2011. Cargo volume doesn’t translate directly to sales, but these trends are certainly in line with what we’ve experienced with monthly retail sales and this year’s holiday season.”
Container traffic at U.S. ports in October was unchanged from September but up 13% from October 2009. That marked the eleventh month in a row to show a year-over-year improvement after December 2009 broke a 28-month streak of year-over-year declines. November was estimated at 1.25 million TEUs, a 15% increase over last year.
If freight volumes continue to increase at that pace in 2011, ocean carriers could continue “slow steaming.” The practice cuts fuel costs and emissions, but lengthens transit times and can raise costs and delay deliveries for retailers and other importers.
