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May/June 201 2
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The Port of Baltimore
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T
he Port of Baltimore’s love affair with the automobile began in 1963 when the
first Volkswagen Beetle to arrive in the United States was off-loaded in a cargo
net at the Dundalk Marine Terminal. Since then, Baltimore has grown to become
one of the busiest automobile ports on the East Coast, actually ascending to
the top spot in 2011.
Dealers receive their vehicles in top-notch condition thanks to the fastidious attention
of the Port’s multiple high-quality vehicle processing centers (VPCs).
“Baltimore has developed a culture of excellence when it comes to vehicle processing,”
said Lawrence Johnson, Maryland Port Administration (MPA) Trade Development. He
explained that, since the Port has handled vehicles for so long, there is a knowledge base
that other ports cannot claim. “We have top-shelf management and an incredibly skilled
labor force, some with over three decades of experience.”
In addition to the highly trained workforce in Baltimore, there’s something to be said
for vehicle manufacturers having options. “It gives the Port a competitive advantage
to have multiple processors to choose from,” Johnson noted. “Most ports have much
narrower options. And one processor may offer some accessorization or special program
that another doesn’t that also gives the automaker a wider choice.”
Port’s Auto Business Benefits From
Outstanding Vehicle Processing Centers
BY KATHY BERGREN SMITH
VPCs provide multiple services for both import and export vehicles. The VPC is the
first point of rest for imported vehicles that are thoroughly inspected for voyage damage,
cleaned and prepared for delivery. Vehicles can also be painted and accessorized with
anything from spoilers to special trim. On the export side, the VPC can apply a protective
undercoating and otherwise prepare vehicles for ocean transit.
AMPORTS, the largest portside automotive processor in North America, provides a
full palette of vehicle processing for both imports and exports at several locations on the
harbor. Last year, the company’s Baltimore facilities processed 180,000 vehicles. With
multiple locations at the Port, AMPORTS can service any shipping line, adding flexibility
to the manufacturers’ supply chain.
AMPORTS has more than 150 acres at its two facilities on the Fairfield side of the harbor
— referred to as its Atlantic and Chesapeake Terminals. At these locations, CSX delivers
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AMPORTS