Page 23 - Port of Baltimore Magazine Jan/Feb 2013

Continued stronger demand for autos helped the Port of
Baltimore achieve another record year in 2012. More
than 523,500 cars moved over Baltimore’s public marine
terminals, a 17 percent increase over a then-record year of
2011 that saw more autos cross Baltimore’s public and private piers
than any other U.S. port. The auto industry itself had a 13 percent
gain over 2011 and the Port of Baltimore outpaced that growth by
four percent. Contributing factors to the success of autos at the
Port of Baltimore are the cost-effective transportation of vehicles
to the traditional Midwest markets and the Port’s excellent labor
environment.
Baltimore’s reputation as an auto port is greatly enhanced by its
nationally renowned quality program, QCHAT (Quality Cargo Handling
Action Team). This program brings together all key players in the
auto supply chain, including auto manufacturer, labor, processor,
ocean carrier and the Port. These monthly meetings serve as a good
confirmation that each auto leaving or arriving at the Port of Baltimore
is handled with utmost white-glove care.
In 2012, Auto Warehousing became the Port of Baltimore’s fourth
onsite auto processing company — another big advantage for
Baltimore’s auto-handling business.
0
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
600,000
AUTOS
Change
in Units
2011
2012 523,570 Units
2011 445,873 Units
PERCENT CHANGE +17%
PREVIOUS RECORD
2011 – 445,873 UNITS
2012
Autos
NEW
RECORDSET
January/February 2013 ■ The Port of Baltimore [21]
UNITS