Global shipping and global trade is confronting a historical change when the Panama Canal expansion is completed next year and the new post-Panamax ships will be looking for ports that can accommodate them.
This potential change in shipping routes and lower costs of shipping goods are leading to heated competition among U.S. ports, especially those on the East Coast (Norfolk, Baltimore and New York). The prize is greater local and state economic development.
This shipping aspect of global transportation is running into the limitations of local transportation infrastructure in the states and locales housing these ports. Specifically, involving rail and road connections as well as offloading and storage facilities.
The states that provide the funding for both port expansion and related transportation improvements will win the battle, boost economic development, and create more jobs
Stuart Malawer
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