Trade Development: Caddo-Bossier, New Orleans
Port of Caddo-Bossier Becomes a Transfer Site for Steel Producer Nucor
Nucor, a major steel producer, has selected the Port of Caddo-Bossier as a transfer site. Earlier this month, a barge carrying steel coils arrived at the port, days ahead of schedule. The shipment originated at Nucor’s Blytheville (AK) facility. At the port, coils were offloaded to trucks for delivery to Nucor’s Vulcraft plant in Grapeland (TX).
The company is expected to continue using the port to offload barges onto trucks and is looking for more shipping opportunities into Caddo-Bossier.
"We are very excited Nucor saw the Port of Caddo-Bossier as a logistically advantageous site for moving its product," said Port Commission President Sam Gregorio. "It shows our capability of handling all types of shipments and materials, whether it’s on river, rail or road."
The 2,300-acre Port of Caddo-Bossier is located at the head of navigation on the Red River Waterway in Northwest Louisiana. An inland multi-modal transportation and distribution center, the port is linked to domestic and international markets via the Mississippi River and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.
New Orleans Joins USDA’s Southeast U.S. Cold Treatment Pilot Program
The Port of New Orleans has received approval by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for inclusion in the Southeast U.S. In-Transit Cold Treatment Pilot Program. Participation in the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) pilot program means select time-sensitive products can be treated to meet customs compliance in-transit rather than after arrival in the United States – resulting in shorter transit times and increased efficiency for shippers.
Cold treatment is a process whereby perishable fruits are brought to a certain temperature for a time specified by authorities to fulfill APHIS quarantine requirements targeting pests such as fruit flies.
Included in this pilot are:
• Blueberries, citrus, and grapes from Peru
• Blueberries and grapes from Uruguay
• Blueberries, apples, and pears from Argentina
"Participating in this pilot is a significant gain and highlights Port NOLA’s ongoing commitment to developing new business," said Brandy D. Christian, Port of New Orleans president and CEO. "This program gives current and future port shippers additional options to transport refrigerated cargo, while reducing transit time from origin to the consumer." The port will partner with APHIS and the U.S. Custom and Border Protection Agency in implementing the pilot.
Port of New Orleans is well equipped to handle perishable cargo with more than 900 reefer container plugs and ample cool/cold storage capability.
Photo/Port of New Orleans