Port of Baltimore Handling Record Number of Cars

The Port of Baltimore continues to be one of the bright spots in the local economy handling a record amount of cars in the first half of 2011, according to a Maryland Port Administration press release. The increase in auto tonnage over the first six months of this year marks a 15 percent increase over 2010, the Monday release stated.

Approximately 1,150 direct jobs at the Port of Baltimore are generated by the Port’s auto business, according to the port administration.

In August, , which produces custom-made wire baskets, wire forms and sheet metal fabrications, announced expansion plans that expected to further boost port business. 

Additionally, overall general cargo at the Port of Baltimore's public and private terminals during the first half of 2011 was 4.5 million tons, a 13 percent increase over last year.

Recently, the Port Administration announced that Baltimore now ranks 11th nationally (up from 12th) for the total dollar value of cargo, and 13th (up from 15th) for the amount of cargo tonnage handled among 44 U.S. port districts.

Earlier this year, the Port of Baltimore also inked a with Cruise America.  The cruise line has weekly cruises from Baltimore harbor.

Here is Monday's full press release from the Maryland Port Administration:

Governor Martin O’Malley announced today that the Port of Baltimore had a record first half of 2011 for cars, handling more international auto tonnage than any other U.S. port, including New York which handled the most cars in 2010. More than 538,000 tons of autos made their way over Baltimore’s public and private marine terminals during the first six months of 2011, a 15 percent increase over the same time period of 2010. The statistics were compiled by the U.S. Census and analyzed by Global Trade Atlas.

“This is another good step forward in continuing to rebound from one of our country’s most challenging economic periods,” said Governor O’Malley. “More cars that come across our docks means more business for the Port of Baltimore, which is very good news for the thousands of men and women who depend on a healthy and vibrant port to support their families.”

The number of actual cars that came across the port’s docks during the first six months of 2011 was 270,700, about 30,000 more than during the same time in 2010. Baltimore ranked second in the nation in 2010 for autos behind New York. Approximately 1,150 direct jobs at the Port are generated by the Port’s auto business.

Overall general cargo at the port’s public and private terminals during the first six months was 4.5 million tons, a 13 percent increase from 2010. The total amount of foreign commerce from both the public and private terminals was 19.3 million tons, a 12 percent increase from the first half of 2010. The total dollar value of foreign cargo was $24.1 billion, a 24 percent jump from the same period in 2010.

All targeted commodities at the port’s public terminals were up in the first half of 2011. In addition to autos, roll on/roll off (farm and construction machinery) was up 51 percent; containers were up 10 percent; pulp (used to produce paper towels, tissues, diapers) was up 12 percent; breakbulk was up 11 percent; and paper was up six percent.

Recently it was announced that Baltimore ranked 11th nationally (up from 12th) for the total dollar value of cargo and 13th (up from 15th) for the amount of cargo tonnage handled out of 44 port districts in the U.S.

Out of about 360 U.S. ports, the Port of Baltimore ranks as the top port in the nation for handling roll on/roll off, trucks, imported forest products, imported gypsum, imported sugar, imported salt, and imported iron ore. Besides autos, it also ranks second in the U.S. for exported coal and imported aluminum.

Business at the Port of Baltimore generates about 16,700 direct jobs, while about 120,000 jobs in Maryland are linked to port activities.  The Port is responsible for $3.7 billion in personal wages and salary and nearly $400 million in state and local taxes."