Descartes Datamyne sheds new light on U.S. port industry

The “U.S. Port Report,” recently released by Descartes Datamyne reveals that U.S. ports are finding new ways to capture specific commodities while remaining competitive in a broader global trade context. 

At the same time, logistics managers are basing many of their sourcing needs on the ever-shifting scenario of pending tariffs and duties.

“In these uncertain times, we recognize that shippers are seeking more information on when or why another number may be added to their total landed costs,” says Brendan R. McCahill, Senior Vice President of Trade Data Content at Descartes Datamyne.

The company’s annual report is compiled with the aid of its searchable trade database – covering global commerce of 230 markets across 5 continents. By tracking inbound domestic goods sourced through U.S. ocean cargo gateways, shippers are given a snapshot of the current state of the industry.

“Last year we noted that digitization was contributing to more transparent supply chains,” says McCahill. “That hasn’t changed much, and will only become more of a factor. We also see a spike in perishable goods making an impact, with some ports benefitting more than others.”

For example, the Port of Philadelphia appears to have gained on Port Everglades by attracting new ocean carrier calls from Latin America. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports meanwhile, are continuing to take some share away from the West Coast in commodities like furniture.

“This finding was driven by Mother Nature,” says McCahill, “as both regions continue to recover from catastrophic storms that destroyed many homes and offices in recent years.”

Anecdotal information also suggests that shippers may be concerned about the regulatory compliance pressures being placed on U.S. ports, say Descartes Datamyne analysts. 

“New environmental laws being introduced in California regarding trucking emissions have some shippers worried,” says McCahill. “And then there’s the dockside labor picture…always a big question.”

The new report is designed to give shippers entering contract negotiations a window into where specific commodities are destined, and which ports are providing the best intermodal connections. NVOs and the carriers themselves are seeking the same information on their partners and competitiors.

“Since ports are often a focus point of micro and macroeconomic changes, fluctuations in volume and commodities are a key indicator of industry developments,” says McCahill.