Containerized cargo volumes continue to climb in September due in part to cargo shifts into uncongested gateways servicing key North American markets. Container volume through the Port of Mobile marked its third highest lift in September delivering a 27 percent year to date increase in volume over the same period last year. Refrigerated containers continued its robust pace in September posting the second highest volumes in 2021. Year to date refrigerated cargo at the Port of Mobile has grown by 46.7 percent compared to the same period in 2020 due to the delivery of nearly $74 million in refrigerated facilities investment at the Port of Mobile to support cold cargo supply chains.
Added vessel calls to support Asia trade, coupled with domestic retail consumption and increasing congestion through traditional west and east coast gateways, contributed to shifts in supply chains as shippers seek both capacity and faster service into Memphis and Chicago via the Port’s new container intermodal container transfer facility (ICTF). The ICTF continued its upward volume trajectory posting the terminal’s second highest volume since operations began. Year to date 2021 intermodal rail volume grew 223 percent compare to the same period in 2020. When comparing 2019 year to date growth with 2021, the Port’s intermodal rail volume grew by 703 percent. APM Terminals Mobile operates both the marine and intermodal container transfer facility at Mobile.
The Alabama State Port Authority oversees the deep-water public port facilities at the Port of Mobile. The Port Authority’s container, general cargo and bulk facilities have immediate access to two interstate systems, five Class 1 railroads, nearly 15,000 miles of inland waterways and air cargo connections.
