Overview

The U.S. is the largest trading nation in the world, accounting for 12 percent of the total world merchandise trade in 2005.

Prior to containerization, the break bulk method of loading and unloading individual goods was very labor intensive. The result was a vessel spending more time at port than at sea. This also added to congestion and choke points surrounding port areas.

Since the advent of containerization, standards were put in place and ships, rails, trucks, and river barges were modified to carry the standardized container.

The economic prosperity of our nation depends on the import and export of finished and raw goods. The movement of goods once they arrive at port facilities is a public policy issue which has garnered increased attention from local, state and federal governments because communities surrounding port facilities suffering from congestion, poor air quality, noise pollution and even reductions in home value. With a growth trend of 10% every year, the global maritime shipping industry will affect the lives of people living near port facilities with increased intensity. In 2007, it is estimated that global trade reached 141 million twenty foot equivalent units “(TEUs), which is the highest number ever recorded. 

Transportation specialists will need to find more efficient, environmentally friendly methods to enhance the capabilities and sustainability of established U.S. ports. The expectation is that rapidly growing global trade between the U.S., China, India, and Japan will put more pressure on the need for expanded groundside access for ports, a need which must be balanced with the availability of funding for land acquisition, environmental concerns and the (sometimes) competitive interests of industrial, commercial, real estate and community interests. 

Web links for case study articles:

• Waterfront Coalition: The National Marine Container Transportation System: A Call to Action - http://www.portmod.org/news/press/White%20Paper.htm
• Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing entitled, “Legislative Hearing on the Marine Vessel Emissions Reduction Act of 2007, S.1499.” Read the opening statements of Senators Boxer (D-CA) and Inhofe (R-OK) - http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings.Hearing&Hearing_ID=f66a6eca-802a-23ad-4aaf-7f3a0f726287
• Port Development in Shenzhen, China - http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/2008/10/23/cities-world-ten-forbeslife-cx_mw_1023cities.html
  
• Baltimore Sun, "U.S. trade imbalance stretches ability to store cargo in Baltimore, other ports" - http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-port041405,0,1448425.story

• New York Post, "Red Hook's Bright Ikea" http://www.nypost.com/seven/05282008/news/regionalnews/red_hooks_bright_ikea_112742.htm

Discussion Questions:

• If "frieght doesn't vote" why should state and federal governments invest public money into improving the efficiency of ports (intermodal transport linkages with rail, truck and barge)  when private companies could invest, operate and own ports?
  
• How can local, state and federal governments sustain essential industrial port facilities during economic downturns when financial gains are available through the sale of waterfront property for commercial and residential development?  
  
• Is the use of waterfront property for residential, commericial and industrial operations a recipe for disaster?