Last month, the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) reported record container growth, handling a total of 133,845 TEUs during the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, marking a 19% increase year-over-year and achieving the highest quarterly container volume since the supply chain challenges of 2021.
In addition, the Port NOLA and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) have also reported a more than 15% year-to-date increase in intermodal rail volumes from January through May.
“Port NOLA is building momentum as the Gulf’s Gateway to middle America. Our ability to provide innovative supply chain solutions for shippers looking to diversify their trade lanes is undeniable. We are on track to grow this service even more while simultaneously continuing to provide efficient and reliable options for moving freight by river, rail, and road,” stated Ronald Wendel, Jr. acting president & CEO at Port NOLA and acting NOPB CEO.
Through its expanding intermodal services and efficient global and inland connections, Port NOLA ensures the timely delivery of goods nationwide, facilitates the efficient movement of products for businesses, and contributes to economic growth and job creation in the state and region. Rail operations constitute approximately 33% of Port NOLA and NOPB’s combined annual revenue.
Located within the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal complex, Port NOLA’s Mississippi River Intermodal Terminal provides on-dock access to its six Class I rail partners via NOPB, a Class III Short-line Railroad.
“Port NOLA is the only deep-water port in the United States that is connected to all of North America’s six Class I railroads through the NOPB. This unparalleled connection is a tremendous asset for customers as these railroads comprise a 132,000-plus mile network of track that ties the Port of New Orleans and the global supply chain directly to every U.S. market and Canada,” stated Tomeka Bryant, general manager at NOPB.
The strategic collaboration between Port NOLA and NOPB since 2018 has enhanced operational fluidity and reduced congestion throughout the gateway, maintaining dwell times below industry standards. Among the six Class I railroads, CN offers regular intermodal services linking Memphis, Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, and Montreal.
CPKC provides intermodal connections to and from the Dallas/Fort Worth market, offering retail importers a competitive and efficient gateway option and allowing ocean carriers to reposition empty equipment to meet strong export demand in the NOLA region.
“CN has been a committed rail service provider in the Port of New Orleans market for decades and we are excited about the growth plans in New Orleans. CN and Port NOLA have a lot of value to offer customers looking for strong gateway alternatives into key markets like Memphis, Detroit, Chicago and even Toronto and Montreal,” stated Dan Bresolin, vice president of Intermodal for CN.
