Modest sequential gain gives port its busiest import month of the year

    The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported its busiest month for container imports so far in 2011 in August, but volume at the U.S. East Coast’s largest port was flat compared to last year.

    Containerized import volume also expanded 3.4 percent sequentially from July to August in a slow buildup toward the peak shipping season, according to figures released by the port authority.

    Export volume fell 1.5 percent in August compared to the same month a year ago, and exports declined 6.2 percent sequentially. That left New York-New Jersey down 0.5 percent in overall loaded container volume in August compared to August 2010, the port’s second straight monthly year-over-year slip.

    The tepid buildup follows lackluster reports from other ports on September volume that suggest August may have been the busiest month of the year, giving the shipping industry a short peak season compared to the rapid buildup in 2010.

    Several liner companies and alliances already have cut back port calls and capacity in early preparations for a lighter winter schedule.

(Source:JOC)