Semi-truck and last-mile drivers can anticipate increased work coming out of the Port of Baltimore after one of the largest shipping operations established ongoing calls.
The Israel-based ZIM Shipping Line has reportedly brokered a deal to start a bi-weekly offloading schedule from Southeast Asia and China directly to the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore. Dubbed the ZIM e-Commerce Baltimore express (ZXB), the container shipping giant with more than 100 vessels in play anticipates ramping up cargo deliveries to every week within months.
“ZIM’s new e-commerce centric service is outstanding news for the Port of Baltimore, and our International Longshoremen’s Association labor force,” Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration executive director William P. Doyle reportedly said. “ZIM is one of the top ocean carriers in the world, and we’re pleased to welcome them to Baltimore. With our additional ultra-large, Neo-Panamax cranes, our future double-stack rail capabilities, and an incredible network of regional distribution, fulfillment, and sorting centers, Baltimore is extremely well-positioned to continue growing our container business and serving as number one e-commerce port in the nation.”
The ambitious new international trade lane comes after secondary ports were tasked with handling the overflow of backlogged major facilities. The Maryland port reportedly handled more than 40 ad hoc pleas to offload cargo since July 2020. Supply chain disruptions and delays prompted wide-reaching organizations to rethink their logistics.
“ZIM’s commitment to the Port of Baltimore is another indication that the international maritime shipping industry recognizes Maryland’s role as a critical gateway to American markets,” Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan reportedly said. “Maryland’s Port has been a reliable and efficient partner for business throughout the pandemic, and our significant investments at the Port are growing capacity, jobs, and our economy.”
ZIM appears to be revising the way it moves e-commerce products and materials from Asia and, potentially, other markets. Its ZXB brand reportedly guarantees space, equipment, and delivers an out-of-the-gate lane retailers and freight hauling operations desire. Being prioritized from Baltimore provides easy access to rail, air transportation, and wheels-on-the-road trucking.
Like many other expanding container ports, Baltimore’s Seagirt Marine Terminal officials invested upwards of $166 million to add four supersized, Neo-Panamax container cranes. The cranes are expected to go online in April to expand service at the Port’s second 50-foot-deep berth, which was completed last year. The expansion gives the facility a pair of deep berths able to effectively handle oversized cargo vessels.
The Port of Baltimore generates approximately 15,300 direct jobs, with another 140,000 positions linked to its commerce. Ranked first for autos and light truck volume, heavy farm equipment, and construction machinery, it hovered in the top 15 major U.S. ports for foreign cargo value and volume. Upstart and veteran truckers can anticipate increased container transportation work in the immediate future.
Sources: ajot.com, logisticsmgmt.com
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