The NRF and Global Insight released the December Port Tracker Report, stating that the West Coast ports covered by the report were given a “medium” congestion rating in November reflecting railroad delays as a result of Hurricane Katrina, though the ports themselves were operating smoothly. However, all ports, including the East Coast are now rated “low,” meaning “business as usual” with no serious congestion, delays or diversion anticipated.
With the peak season winding down, ports on both coasts are headed into the slow season. Container volume will be down from recent months, but still above last years levels. Growth will continue, but at increasingly slower rates. Traffic is expected to slowly decline to a low of 1.13 million TEU in February 2006, still up 1.3% from a year ago, before starting to climb again and hitting 1.3 million TEU in April 2006, up 8.3% from April 2005.
