General cargo liftings at public marine terminals in the Port of Baltimore  rose to 8,091,919 short tons during the first nine months of calendar year 2018, according to data from the Maryland Port Administration (MPA). That was up 8.4 percent from the year-earlier total of 7,466,877 tons, thanks in great part to an 11 percent jump in containerized cargo. During the third quarter alone, general cargo tonnage rose 14.5 percent.  

 

In 2016, general cargo tonnage exceeded 10 million tons for the first time in the port’s history. The container count also set a Baltimore record, 869,485 TEUs.  

 

Baltimore is a leading handler of autos and light trucks, farm and construction machinery, imported gypsum, imported sugar, and imported aluminum.

 

According to the MPA, business at the Port of Baltimore generates about 13,650 direct jobs, while about 127,600 jobs in Maryland are linked to port activities. The MPA further notes that the port is responsible for nearly $3 billion in personal wages and salary and more than $300 million in state and local tax revenues.   

 

 

Last month was the busiest October ever for import-laden containers at the Port of Oakland. The 76,706 TEU total was up 6.4 percent from a year ago. The previous October record, 75,498 TEUs, was set in 2005.

 

This October’s record followed a similar performance in September. Imports for the year are up 4.4 percent compared to January-October 2016.

 

Total 2017 container volume – including exports, imports, and empties – increased 2.8 percent from the first 10 months of 2016 to just over 2.0 million TEUs. Click here to learn more.

 

"We’re encouraged by the results we’re seeing," said Port Maritime Director John Driscoll. "The test for the industry is whether we can carry momentum into next year."