Florida duo increase share of US import shipments

TWO Jacksonville-based ship operators have bucked the industry's downward trend by increasing their share of inbound US shipments they handle.

Sea Star Line, which ranks 32nd on the importer list, reported an 11.3 per cent increase of 32,000 TEU in imports. The group's export shipments however declined last year by 4.4 per cent to 95,000 TEU, leaving it in the No 23 among outbound carriers, reports the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Trailer Bridge's shipments meanwhile grew by 8.7 per cent, or about 30,700 TEU, leaving it one behind Sea Star in the rankings at 33. But like Sea Star, the company also reported a decline in the export category, for a drop of 6.4 per cent, or 70,000 TEU.

The two gainers may have achieved their gains by taking away business from other Jacksonville operators. Crowley Maritime, for example, saw its imports fall by 11.1 per cent for the year for a total 138,600 TEU.

North Carolina-based Horizon Lines meanwhile, which also boasts a strong Jacksonville presence, witnessed a 21.5 per cent drop in imports of about 41,300 TEU.
 

Source: Sched Net