Truckers are searching for a friendly port in the storm.
The majority of what we haul on our trucks comes from overseas. Understanding what is going on in the maritime space will give a driver significant insights in order to make strategic decisions.
Maritime imports are down over 50% from their peak in June 2021. This is significant because imports are the largest and most influential force driving truckload volumes in the United States.
And it isn’t just port cities that are affected.
Yes, imports have a huge impact on drayage and port operations; those are givens. However, the reality is that even a local distribution center driver in Tulsa, Oklahoma, or Chicago, Illinois, is impacted by foreign trade and imports.
It’s China!
Not entirely the case as seen in the SONAR Container Atlas chart below.
The chart reflects TEU volumes from all ports in the world to all ports in the world. The volume is significantly below 50% of the peak of last June, indicating the depth of the downturn in overall international maritime trade.
The SONAR chart above is all ports to all U.S. ports. The TEU volumes are down nearly 50% from a year ago, indicating that all imports into the U.S. are down.
The SONAR chart above displays TEU volumes from China to the U.S. Imports are down approximately 33% from their 2021 high.
So, how does this help?
It provides the necessary upstream supply chain information for truck drivers in Anytown, USA to understand the future of their chosen profession. It provides data to allow those drivers to make solid strategic decisions that will allow them to strengthen their businesses.
Can you be more specific?
YEP!
The SONAR Container Atlas chart above is filtered for Charleston, South Carolina, from all ports in China. Volumes are growing.
A friendly port in the storm for truckers.
Read more articles from Michael “The Dude” Vincent
Peace and love.
