- US container gateways and the inland intermodal system handled record-breaking traffic in 2024 without major disruptions.
- Analysts highlighted strong performance in southern California gateways and the broader intermodal network, despite elevated container volumes.
- US West Coast import volumes rose by 20.7%, East Coast by 9.7%, and Gulf coast by 5.9% in the first 10 months of 2024.
- Challenges included rail inefficiencies and a growing imbalance between imports and exports, but downstream supply chains remained robust.
- Long-term trends suggest a shift toward east and Gulf coast ports, driven by changing global trade patterns and sourcing strategies.
Resilience Amid Peak Traffic
The US intermodal system proved resilient, even as container volumes continued to rise late in the year. Larry Gross, president of Gross Transportation Consulting, noted that last week was the busiest period of 2024 for North America, occurring 10 weeks beyond the typical seasonal peak. This extended high volume is largely attributed to pre-emptive shipping ahead of import tariffs and fears of a second east coast labor strike in January, reports The Loadstar.
Daniel Hackett, co-author of the Port Tracker report, revealed significant growth in import volumes. US west coast ports saw a 20.7% increase during the first 10 months of 2024 compared to 2023, while the east and Gulf coasts grew by 9.7% and 5.9%, respectively. Overall, US containerized imports rose by 14.8% this year.
Strong Intermodal Performance
The intermodal network managed elevated traffic without major disruptions, maintaining a generally fluid system. Gross praised the downstream supply chain, noting sufficient capacity in drayage, warehousing, and chassis availability. While intermodal train speeds were slightly below normal, other metrics, such as lower terminal holding times, compensated for these delays.
Nonetheless, rail carriers faced challenges from an imbalance between imports and exports, leading to an increased movement of empty containers to the west coast. This deficit averaged 14,921 monthly in 2024, a sharp rise from 8,189 in 2023, peaking at 22,014 in October.
Capacity for Growth
Mark Sisson, senior port planner and analyst at AECOM, emphasized that US container gateways have room for growth without new construction. Ports like Los Angeles lag behind Vancouver in efficiency metrics, handling fewer teu-per-1,000ft-wharf and teu-per-acre.
Innovative infrastructure projects, such as BNSF’s integrated railyard and intermodal facility in Barstow, provide opportunities to relieve dock pressure and enhance capacity.
Automation and Efficiency
While automation could improve terminal operations, its adoption in the US remains limited, primarily due to labor disputes on the east coast. Sisson noted that only a few terminals in southern California have embraced automation, highlighting its untapped potential.
Shifting Trade Patterns and Future Outlook
The current import surge, driven by front-loading and labor unrest, is expected to subside. Gross predicted that the disconnect between strong import growth and weaker domestic demand will normalize over time.
Long-term trade dynamics favor east and Gulf coast ports, as declining imports from China and increasing shipments from ASEAN countries and India reshape cargo flows. Ports like New York/New Jersey, Virginia, Savannah, and Houston have already gained market share, with Houston doubling its share over the past 12 years.
These shifts underline the ongoing evolution of the US intermodal system, driven by global trade realignments and strategic infrastructure investments.
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Source: The Loadstar
