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April 2015
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April 2015
Editorial: The Disruption
Aftermath
Contents
Overview
01 Editorial
02 Executive Summary
03 Global Economic Overview
04 North America Economic Overview
The disruption on the west coast appears to be over and great measures
are being taken to clear up the backlog of ships sitting offshore at Los
Angeles and Long Beach. Oakland appears to have sorted its problems out
and is back to normal, and the other two ports are suggesting that they
are rapidly moving toward clearing the backlog.
Of course all those ships being discharged is causing landside issues as
workers try to get containers out of the terminal gates and onto trucks
and rail, another struggle. On the east coast, the impact has been felt
since February as carriers and shippers finally gave up and began to switch
shipments for east coast discharge. While no ships are lining up, excess
cargo is mounting with bottlenecks in customs, hauling and delivery.
Coast Activity
05 West Coast Port Activity
06 East Coast Port Activity
Port Activity
07 Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach
08 Port of Oakland
09 Seaport Alliance (Tacoma and Seattle)
10 Port of Vancouver
11 Port of Prince Rupert
12 Port of Montreal
13 Ports of New York and New Jersey
14 Port of Virginia
We have gone back to try to establish whether the overall delivery of
containers to the United States suffered, but it appears that it probably
did not. There were some differences on a coastal basis, but overall cargo
flowed through to the importers despite the west coast disruptions. The
difference was in the switch to the east in late December combined with
the low level of discharge on the west coast as the ships lay waiting,
outside Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland. There was little impact on
the west coast Canadian ports. We expect March and early April to show
strong growth at the PSW ports. The east coast forecast is little changed
from last month given how close actual February figures were to our
forecast.
Global economic fundamentals are changing with Brazil and China posting
weaker-than-anticipated numbers, suggesting that the growth potential
for 2015 will not be as strong as it might have been. Once again it is
consumption, not investment that will provide the growth. If consumer
demands holds steady we expect our full-year forecasts to remain
unchanged with an annual growth rate of 3.4 percent.
15 Port of Charleston
16 Port of Savannah
17 Port of Miami
18 Port Everglades
As globalization has run its course in terms of shifting of production,
carriers must begin to focus on consumer demand and industrial
production in North America for their potential volume growth rates. The
days of double-digit growth appear to be some way behind us.
19 Port of Houston
Data
20 Year to Date Totals
-Ben Hackett
21 Raw Monthly Data
22 How to Read the Tables and Charts
www.globalporttracker.com
00
Ben Hackett | +1.202.558.5292 | ben@hackettassociates.com | www.hackettassociates.com
Jon Gold | +1.202.626.8193 | goldj@nrf.com| www.nrf.com
Wight Hotchkiss | +1.206.695.4200 | dwight.hotchkiss@colliers.com| www.colliers.com
1
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
Executive Summary

The total volume of imports at the tracked ports fell by
a further 49,000 TEUs in February. The 1.40 million
TEUs represent a 3.4 percent slide from January and a
1.5 percent year-on-year decrease.

The combined import volume at the monitored west
coast ports fell by 34,000 TEUs between January and
February, which equates to a 4.4 percent decrease.
The total import volume was 731,000 TEUs, which
equates to a 12.0 percent fall from last year. The
Seaport Alliance of the Ports of Tacoma and Seattle
was the only location to post an increase over January,
while both Vancouver and Prince Rupert posted
double-digit percentage year-on-year gains. The port
of Oakland posted a double-digit drop from January,
while LALB and Oakland posted double-digit
percentage decreases year-on-year. The forecast for
2015 currently projects a three percent increase in
imports, with a total of 12.05 million TEUs.

The combined import volume at the monitored east
coast ports decreased by 1.8 percent or 11,000 TEUs in 
February, which is a record high for the month. The
total import volume for the month was 598,000 TEUs,
which is 10.9 percent higher than the same month of
2014. The ports of Montreal, New York and New
Jersey, and Miami all posted gains over January. Yearon-year, New York and New Jersey, Charleston,
Savannah, and Miami all posted double-digit
percentage increases. The forecast for 2015 currently
projects a 3.8 percent increase in imports, with a total
of 7.62 million TEUs.

Loaded imports at Houston decreased by 4,000 TEUs or
5.3 percent to 67,000 TEUs, for a 44.3 percent jump
year-on-year.
Change in Import Volume, February 2015 versus:
The North Europe edition of the Global Port Tracker
reported that total container volumes across the six
port range rebounded in January with 3.38 million
TEUs, which represents a 4.5 percent year-on-year
gain. For incoming volumes, the north range posted a
4.8 percent increase over December for a 2.2 percent
gain year-on-year, while outgoing volumes posted a 2.4
percent increase for a 6.8 percent year-on-year
increase. Total imports to Europe increased by one
percent (for a 2.7 percent decrease year-on-year) while
total exports fell by 16.7 percent (for a one percent
decrease year-on-year). For 2015, loaded incoming
volumes across the North Range are projected to post
a 1.7 percent increase while loaded outgoing volumes
post a 3.3 percent gain.
Imports by Coast, Monthly Level
2
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
Global Economic Overview


Alphaliner reported that while the number of idle
ships with a capacity below 3,000 TEUs has shrunk
to the lowest levels since 2011, the level of idle
ships with a capacity greater than 3,000 TEUs has
rd
increased. As of 23 March, a total of 103 ships
were idle, of which 34 had a capacity greater than
3,000 TEUs versus just nine in early February. In
contrast, there were 69 ships with a capacity
between 500 TEUs and 3,000 TEUs that were idle at
the same point, versus 135 idle ships a year ago.
The liners do not appear to be concerned about
this, however, as orders for new Ultra-Large
Container Ships (ULCS) continue to pour in.
Alphaliner noted that OOCL has ordered six ships
with a capacity of 21,100 TEUs for delivery in 2017,
CMA CGM has contracted for three ships with a
capacity of 20,600 TEUs (also for delivery in 2017),
and MOL announced they would acquire six ships
with a capacity of 20,150 TEUs.
Markit’s Eurozone Manufacturing Index for March
increased to a 10 month high of 52.2 compared to last
month’s reading of 51.0.
France’s PMI posted an
increase to reach 48.8 but remained below the 50.0
level that indicates growth, while Germany and Italy
both hit 11 month highs.
Idle Containerships with 3,000+ TEU Capacity, 2009-2015
Chart courtesy of Alphaliner

HSBC’s China Manufacturing PMI for March returned
to contraction levels, sliding from 50.7 in February to
49.6. HSBC also reported that staffing levels declined
th
for the 17 consecutive month. The PMI in India
continued to improve, though, increasing from 51.2 in
February to 52.1, although employment levels have
remained little-changed for the past 14 months.
Beginning of the End of Chassis Problems? by Paul Bingham
Recent developments in container chassis pool operations at U.S. ports have reduced the chassis supply and operational
problems shippers faced at some ports the last few years. After chassis supply problems became particularly problematic by
2014, the new pool operations indicate a maturation of the business models in the new era of container chassis ownership.
When the container lines stopped providing container chassis in the U.S., the operational impacts of the change in chassis
ownership contributed to port congestion. The recent improvements to chassis fleet operations are now helping improve port
throughput and effective capacity.
The chassis market was largely left to sort itself out as new chassis owners such as truckers and the independent intermodal
equipment providers jockeyed for position in the business. With pressure from shippers and port authorities, the evolution of
pools of containers from different owners is now enabling more efficient chassis operations. The key to this has been
negotiation of how to share the operational efficiency gains.
The pool organizational mechanism adopted varies by port. At the Port of New York and New Jersey, it is a market pool, a
type of gray chassis pool managed by an independent third party. For the Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles, it is a
"pool of pools" combining chassis from three big pool operators, allowing interchange between their fleets. Introduced in
March, the pool of pools covers over 80 percent of that market. What is critical for these arrangements is facilitating reduction
in re-positioning trips for empties and reduction in time and space required when multiple separate chassis fleets served the
same ports.
There remain other challenging issues for chassis not resolved just by pooling in the areas of maintenance, inspection and
labor, but none of those are as fundamental as the operational inefficiencies removed with pooled operations. Addressing
remaining chassis challenges is a reason there may well be refinements made to the chassis pool models over time, but the
initial results provide reason for hope that shippers can return to a time when chassis supply was not a topic that required
much attention.
Paul Bingham is Director of North America Consulting at Hackett Associates
and can be reached at Paul@HackettAssociates.com
3
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
North America Economic Overview


ISM’s U.S. Manufacturing PMI reading for March
posted a 1.4 point decrease, dipping from 52.9 in
February to 51.5. The New Orders index slid 0.7 points
from 52.5 to 51.8, while the Inventories index
decreased one point from 52.5 to 51.5. Both the
Import and Export indices posted decreases, sliding 1.5
points to 52.5 and one point to 47.5 respectively.
March’s PMI reading is 4.3 points below the 12-month
average of 55.8 and is 2.2 points below where it was
this time last year. The New Orders index is 7.1 points
below its 12-month average of 58.9 and is down 3.3
points year-on-year. The Inventories index is close to
its 12-month average of 51.3, but is down one point
year-on-year, while the Prices index is down a massive
10.8 points from its average and 20.0 points year-onyear. Respondents noted that the low oil prices had
both positive and negative impacts on business, and
that the west coast labor dispute had posed a 
challenge. The low PMI and New Order numbers are a
source of concern, and we will be keeping a close eye
on these figures in the coming months.
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported 
that based on preliminary Census Bureau date, the U.S.
imported a total of 3.58 million net tons of steel in
February 2015, including 2.83 million net tons of
finished steel. These numbers are down substantially
from January, falling 18.4 percent and 20.7 percent 
respectively. Year-to-date, the two totals are up eight
percent and 14 percent respectively, although this is
far short of last month’s 33 percent and 40 percent
year-on-year increases. Last year was a good year for
steel imports, with 44.32 million net tons of total steel
imports and 33.73 million net tons of finished steel
imports representing 38 percent and 36 percent gains
(respectively) on 2013.
Institute of Supply Management Manufacturing Indices
Data Source: Institute for Supply Management
The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's
consumer sentiment index retreated further in March,
sliding 2.4 points to 93.0, although this is still a 13.0
point gain year-on-year (or 16.3 percent).
ISM’s RBC’s Canadian Manufacturing PMI increased
slightly over the record low that was hit last month.
The reading increased from 48.7 in February to 48.9,
but remained in contraction territory.
The Association of American Railroads reported that
intermodal traffic for the month of March totaled 1.08
million containers and trailers, an increase of 0.8
percent year-on-year. Year-to-date, the total of 3.02
million units is up 0.1 percent over 2014. Canadian
intermodal volumes for the first 12 weeks were up
11.0 percent year-on-year with 699,000 units, while
Mexico’s total of 128,000 units is up 5.4 percent yearon-year.
4
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
Quarterly Import Volumes
West Coast Port Activity
Quarterly Change
Monthly Change
Headlines

Imports to the monitored west coast ports slid a further 4.4 percent in
February to just 731,000 TEUs despite the resumption of full operations
towards the end of the month. The 34,000 TEU drop equates to a 12.0
percent fall from the same month of 2014.

The volume imported through the first two months totaled 1.50 million
TEUs for a 17.5 percent drop year-on-year (a gain on last month’s 22.1
percent decrease).

The forecast projects a 15.3 percent gain in imports over the coming six
months versus the previous six month period, compared to a 4.2 percent
increase over the same period of the previous year.

A steep double-digit percentage drop in volumes in Q1 is projected to be
offset by a strong double-digit rebound in the second quarter. The first
half of 2015 is forecast to post a 0.6 percent decrease from the same
period of 2014.

Year-on-year growth is projected in three of the coming four quarters,
with all changes anticipated to be in the single-digit percentage range.

The forecast volume for 2015 would represent a three percent increase
over 2014, with 12.05 million TEUs.

The forecast volume for 2015 for all of the tracked ports would equate to
a 3.4 percent increase over 2014 with a total of 20.46 million TEUs.
Monthly Import Volumes
5
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
Quarterly Import Volumes
East Coast Port Activity
Quarterly Change
Headlines

Imports to the monitored east coast ports dipped by 1.8 percent in
February to 598,000 TEUs. This is the highest import volume handled in
the month of February since our records begin (in 2004). The 11,000 TEU
decrease still equates to a 10.9 percent surge over the same month of
2014.

The volume imported through the first two months totaled 1.21 million
TEUs for a 10.5 percent surge year-on-year (a gain on last month’s 10.2
percent increase).

The forecast projects a 3.8 percent gain in imports over the coming six
months versus the previous six month period, compared to a 10.5 percent
increase over the same period of the previous year.

Each of the coming six months is forecast to post a single-digit percentage
year-on-year gain.

Despite projected growth in just two of the coming four quarters, three of
the four are anticipated to post a year-on-year increase. All changes, both
quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year, are forecast to be in the single-digit
percentage range.

The first half of 2015 is forecast to post a 7.9 percent increase over the
same period of 2014. The forecast volume for 2015 would represent a 3.8
percent increase over 2014, with 7.62 million TEUs.
Monthly Change
Monthly Import Volumes
6
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
Quarterly Import Volumes
Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach
Quarterly Change
Headlines
th

As of 6 April, there were a total of 10 container ships at anchor awaiting
a berth at the two ports (with a further 22 actively worked on).

Volumes slid three percent to 459,000 TEUs in February. The 14,000 TEU
decrease equates to a 17.6 percent drop from February 2014.

Imports at the Port of Los Angeles dipped by 1.9 percent from January,
while the Port of Long Beach posted a 4.3 percent decrease. In terms of
year-on-year change, the two ports experienced a 10.7 percent drop and
a 24.7 percent fall respectively. Year-to-date, Los Angeles is down 20.4
percent while Long Beach is down 24.1 percent.

The volume imported through the first two months totaled 932,000 TEUs
for a 22.1 percent decrease year-on-year (a gain on last month’s 26.1
percent decrease).

The forecast projects a 17.2 percent jump in imports over the coming six
months versus the previous six month period, compared to a 3.9 percent
increase over the same period of the previous year.

Year-on-year growth is forecast to return after a first quarter low doubledigit percentage drop.

The forecast volume for 2015 would represent a 2.7 percent increase
over 2014, with 7.99 million TEUs.
Monthly Change
Monthly Import Volumes
7
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
Quarterly Import Volumes
Port of Oakland
Quarterly Change
Headlines
nd

The Port of Oakland announced on 2 April that there was no longer a
vessel backlog and that arriving ships were able to head directly to berth
(compared to March when at one point there were 20 ships at anchor).
Port officials said most ships were in-and-out within two days, versus
four-to-five day vessel calls in recent months.

Imports plunged a further 18.7 percent in February, falling 8,000 TEUs to
36,000 TEUs. This equates to a 39.0 percent drop year-on-year.

The volume imported through the first two months totaled 80,000 TEUs
for a 39.0 percent decrease year-on-year (which is unchanged from last
month).

The forecast projects a 28.3 percent surge in imports over the coming six
months versus the previous six month period, compared to an 8.7
percent increase over the same period of the previous year.

The impact of the labor dispute will be felt in the first quarter, with
projected double-digit declines both over the previous period and yearon-year. Year-on-year growth is forecast in the subsequent three
quarters of 2015, however, with a low double-digit percentage gain
anticipated in Q2.

The forecast volume for 2015 would represent a 1.1 percent increase
over 2014, with 855,000 TEUs.
Monthly Change
Monthly Import Volumes
8
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
Quarterly Import Volumes
Seaport Alliance (Tacoma & Seattle)
Quarterly Change
Monthly Change
Headlines

Imports rebounded in February, posting an increase of 3.9 percent to
reach 85,000 TEUs. The 3,000 TEU increase equates to a 4.5 percent
year-on-year decrease.

A strong surge is anticipated in March as the ports return to full
productivity.

The volume imported through the first two months totaled 166,000 TEUs
for a 12.4 percent decrease year-on-year (a gain on last month’s 19.3
percent decrease).

The forecast projects a 10.9 percent gain in imports over the coming six
months versus the previous six month period, compared to a 0.7 percent
decrease over the same period of the previous year.

Increases are projected in half of the coming three months, with year-onyear growth anticipated in all but one.

Although growth is forecast in just one of the upcoming four quarters,
from a year-on-year perspective increases are anticipated in three.

The first half of 2015 is projected to post a 4.1 percent increase over the
same period of 2014.

The forecast volume for 2015 would represent a 3.7 percent increase
over 2014, with 1.26 million TEUs.
Monthly Import Volumes
9
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
Quarterly Import Volumes
Port of Vancouver
Quarterly Change
Headlines

Imports decreased in February, sliding 12,000 TEUs or 9.1 percent to
120,000 TEUs. This is the highest import volume handled in the month of
February since our records begin (in 2004), and equates to a 14.4 percent
surge year-on-year.

The volume imported through the first two months totaled 252,000 TEUs
for a 2.9 percent increase year-on-year (a gain on last month’s 5.6
percent decrease).

Growth over the previous period is projected in four of the coming six
months, while year-on-year gains are forecast in three.

The forecast projects a 4.4 percent gain in imports in the coming six
months versus the previous six month period, compared to a 3.6 percent
increase over the same period of the previous year.

Each of the coming four quarters is projected to post a year-on-year
single-digit percentage increase, while growth over the previous period is
anticipated in two of the four.

The first half of 2015 is forecast to post a 2.8 percent increase over the
same period of 2014.

The forecast volume for 2015 would represent a four percent increase
over 2014, with 1.56 million TEUs.
Monthly Change
Monthly Import Volumes
10
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
Quarterly Import Volumes
Port of Prince Rupert
Quarterly Change
Monthly Change
Headlines

Just a few weeks after Maher Terminals announced that it will proceed
with an expansion that would increase capacity at the port by 500,000
TEUs to 1.35 million TEUs by mid-2017, news broke that DP World had
signed a deal to purchase the Fairview Container Terminal for $457
million. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2015. The
new owners also stated that they plan to conduct a feasibility study to
examine the possibility of expanding the capacity to 2.45 million TEUs.

Imports decreased in February, slipping 3,000 TEUs to a total of 32,000
TEUs. The eight percent decrease still equates to a 44.3 percent year-onyear jump, and is the highest volume handled in the month of February
by the port.

The volume imported through the first two months totaled 67,000 TEUs
for a 27.3 percent surge year-on-year (a gain on last month’s 14.9 percent
increase).

The forecast projects a 9.9 percent increase in imports over the coming
six months versus the previous six month period, compared to a 23.3
percent gain over the same period of the previous year.

The first half of 2015 is forecast to post a 14.1 percent surge over the
same period of 2014. The forecast volume for 2015 would represent an
8.4 percent increase over 2014, with 389,000 TEUs.
Monthly Import Volumes
11
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
Quarterly Import Volumes
Port of Montreal
Quarterly Change
Headlines

The Port of Montreal signed a long-term lease with Termont Terminal for
the construction of the new Viau container terminal with a capacity of
600,000 TEUs (which will increase the port’s total capacity to 2.1 million
TEUs). Termont Montréal announced that they will invest $42 million in
the first phase of the terminal, with a further $30 million for a second
phase should demand warrant it. The project is one of three components
of an extensive project to improve the port’s infrastructure.

Imports rebounded in February, gaining 4,000 TEUs to a total of 48,000
TEUs for an 8.9 percent increase over January but a 2.7 percent dip yearon-year.

The volume imported through the first two months totaled 92,000 TEUs
for a 1.5 percent drop year-on-year (a decrease from last month’s 0.1
percent dip).

The forecast projects a 9.9 percent increase in imports over the coming
six months versus the previous six month period, compared to a 14.3
percent surge over the same period of the previous year.

The first half of 2015 is forecast to post a 1.8 percent increase over the
same period of 2014.

The forecast volume for 2015 would represent a 2.9 percent increase
over 2014, with 635,000 TEUs.
Monthly Change
Monthly Import Volumes
12
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
Quarterly Import Volumes
Ports of New York and New Jersey
Quarterly Change
Monthly Change
Headlines

Imports rebounded in February, gaining 5,000 TEUs or 2.2 percent to
240,000 TEUs. This equates to a 15.8 percent surge year-on-year and
represents the highest volume recorded for the month of February by the
port since our records begin.

The volume imported through the first two months totaled 476,000 TEUs
for an 8.2 percent increase year-on-year (a gain on last month’s 1.5
percent increase).

The forecast projects a 4.8 percent gain in imports over the coming six
months versus the previous six month period, compared to a 9.1 percent
increase over the same period of the previous year.

Four of the coming six months are projected to post an increase over the
prior period, while from a year-on-year perspective increases are forecast
in each. All changes are anticipated to be in the single-digit percentage
range aside from a year-on-year double-digit percentage gain in April.

At the quarterly level, all four periods are forecast to post a single-digit
percentage year-on-year gain despite growth in just two.

The first half of 2015 is forecast to post a 7.6 percent increase over the
same period of 2014.

The forecast volume for 2015 would represent a 4.4 percent increase
over 2014, with 3.07 million TEUs.
Monthly Import Volumes
13
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
Quarterly Import Volumes
Port of Virginia
Quarterly Change
Monthly Change
Headlines

The port cited four-days of weather-driven port closures in February as
impacting volumes to the tune of 7,000 moves (shifting them to March).

Imports dipped in February, sliding 3,000 TEUs or 3.6 percent to 77,000
TEUs. This equates to a one percent dip year-on-year.

The volume imported through the first two months totaled 157,000 TEUs
for a 6.2 percent increase year-on-year (a drop from last month’s 14.2
percent surge).

The forecast projects a 2.5 percent gain in imports over the coming six
months versus the previous six month period, compared to an 8.3
percent increase over the same period of the previous year.

Four of the coming six months are forecast to post growth, both over the
previous period and from a year-on-year perspective. All changes are
anticipated to be in the single-digit percentage range aside from a low
double-digit percentage gain in July.

Three of the upcoming four quarters are projected to post year-on-year
gains.

The first half of 2015 is forecast to post a 4.2 percent increase over the
same period of 2014.

The forecast volume for 2015 would represent a 1.9 percent increase
over 2014, with 1.04 million TEUs.
Monthly Import Volumes
14
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
Quarterly Import Volumes
Port of Charleston
Quarterly Change
Headlines

The South Carolina Ports Authority announced that the Inland Port
completed 4,631 rail moves in February. Fiscal year-to-date, the facility
has handled 35,126 rail moves and is nearly 50 percent ahead of plan.

Imports decreased in February, sliding 4,000 TEUs to a total of 61,000
TEUs. The 5.6 percent decrease still equates to a 15.6 percent year-onyear surge, and is the highest volume recorded for the month of February
by the port since our records begin.

The volume imported through the first two months totaled 127,000 TEUs
for a 17.7 percent jump year-on-year (a decrease from last month’s 19.6
percent surge).

The forecast projects a 6.9 percent gain in imports over the coming six
months versus the previous six month period, compared to a 17.1
percent surge over the same period of the previous year.

Three of the upcoming four quarters are forecast to post a year-on-year
gain, with a double-digit percentage increase anticipated in the first
quarter.

The first half of 2015 is forecast to post a 10.1 percent increase over the
same period of 2014.

The forecast volume for 2015 would represent a 5.7 percent increase
over 2014, with 788,000 TEUs.
Monthly Change
Monthly Import Volumes
15
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
Quarterly Import Volumes
Port of Savannah
Quarterly Change
Monthly Change
Headlines

The arrival of the 10,062 TEU capacity ZIM Tianjin at the Garden City
Terminal marked the largest ship ever to call at the port.

Imports decreased in February, sliding by 14,000 TEUs or 10.6 percent to
115,000 TEUs. This still equates to a 17.1 percent jump year-on-year and
is the highest volume recorded for the month of February by the port
since our records begin.

The port has now recorded eight-straight months of double-digit year-onyear growth.

The volume imported through the first two months totaled 243,000 TEUs
for a 22.1 percent jump year-on-year (a decrease from last month’s 27.0
percent surge).

Growth is forecast in four of the coming six months, both month-onmonth and year-on-year.

The forecast projects a 3.6 percent decrease in imports over the coming
six months versus the previous six month period, compared to a 10.9
percent increase over the same period of the previous year.

The first half of 2015 is forecast to post a 15.5 percent increase over the
same period of 2014.

The forecast volume for 2015 would represent a 3.8 percent increase
over 2014, with 1.40 million TEUs.
Monthly Import Volumes
16
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
Quarterly Import Volumes
Port of Miami
Quarterly Change
Headlines

Imports rebounded in February, increasing 8.7 percent, or 2,000 TEUs, to
31,000 TEUs. This equates to a 17.0 percent jump year-on-year.

The volume imported through the first two months totaled 59,000 TEUs
for a 15.7 percent surge year-on-year (a gain on last month’s 14.4 percent
increase).

The forecast projects a 4.5 percent gain in imports over the coming six
months versus the previous six month period, compared to a 5.7 percent
increase over the same period of the previous year.

Just half of the coming six months are projected to post a gain over the
previous period, with all changes anticipated to be in the single-digit
percentage range. From a year-on-year perspective, increases are
forecast in each month through July, with double-digit percentage gains
anticipated in three.

Despite forecast decreases in three of the four upcoming quarters, yearon-year growth is projected in three, with a double-digit percentage gain
anticipated in Q1.

The first half of 2015 is forecast to post a 10.2 percent increase over the
same period of 2014.

The forecast volume for 2015 would represent a 4.6 percent increase
over 2014, with 352,000 TEUs.
Monthly Change
Monthly Import Volumes
17
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
Quarterly Import Volumes
Port Everglades
Quarterly Change
Headlines

Imports decreased in February, sliding 2,000 TEUs to a total of 27,000
TEUs. The 7.8 percent drop from January equates to a 5.3 percent
decrease from the same month of 2014.

The volume imported through the first two months totaled 56,000 TEUs
for a 0.7 percent increase year-on-year (a decrease from last month’s
seven percent gain).

The forecast projects an 11.6 percent surge in imports over the coming six
months versus the previous six month period, compared to a 13.3 percent
jump in the same period of the previous year.

Year-on-year growth is anticipated in four of the coming six months, with
all changes projected to be in the single-digit percentage range.

Growth over the previous period is projected in two of the coming four
quarters, with a double-digit percentage gain anticipated in the first
quarter of 2015. From a year-on-year perspective, two quarters of low
double-digit declines are forecast to be followed by two quarters of
growth.

The first half of 2015 is forecast to post a 1.7 percent decrease from the
same period of 2014.

The forecast volume for 2015 would represent a two percent increase over
2014, with 339,000 TEUs.
Monthly Change
Monthly Import Volumes
18
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
Quarterly Import Volumes
Port of Houston
Quarterly Change
Monthly Change
Headlines

Imports decreased in February, sliding 4,000 TEUs to 67,000 TEUs. This
marks the highest import volume handled by the port in the month of
February since our records begin. The 5.3 percent decrease from January
still equates to a 44.3 percent jump over the same month of 2014 and is
th
the 12 consecutive month to post a double-digit year-on-year increase.

The volume imported through the first two months totaled 137,000 TEUs
for a 36.4 percent jump year-on-year (a gain on last month’s 29.7 percent
surge).

The forecast projects a 2.6 percent gain in imports over the coming six
months versus the previous six month period, compared to a 23.5
percent surge over the same period of the previous year.

Despite projected growth over the previous period in just three of the
coming six months, year-on-year growth is anticipated in each but August
(with double-digit percentage increases forecast in March and April).

Three of the coming four quarters are projected to post year-on-year
growth, with a double-digit percentage gain anticipated in Q1.

The first half of 2015 is forecast to post a 16.1 percent increase over the
same period of 2014.

The forecast volume for 2015 would represent a 6.9 percent increase
over 2014, with 785,000 TEUs.
Monthly Import Volumes
19
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
Year to Date Totals
Values are Import Loaded TEUs. Purple indicates reported numbers, orange indicates forecast numbers.
The totals cover through February.
West Coast
East Coast
All Ports
(incl. Gulf)
2014
1,814,509
1,092,570
3,007,362
2015
1,496,932
1,207,765
2,841,491
Percent Change
-17.5%
10.5%
-5.5%
LA&LB
Oakland
Seaport
Alliance
Vancouver
Prince
Rupert
2014
1,195,935
131,384
189,859
244,523
52,808
2015
931,561
80,094
166,326
251,726
67,225
Percent Change
-22.1%
-39.0%
-12.4%
2.9%
27.3%
Montreal
NYNJ
Virginia
Charleston
Savannah
Miami
Everglades
2014
93,282
439,584
147,483
107,594
198,681
50,724
55,223
2015
91,895
475,746
156,579
126,587
242,656
58,699
55,603
Percent
Change
-1.5%
8.2%
6.2%
17.7%
22.1%
15.7%
0.7%
Houston
2014
100,283
2015
136,794
Percent Change
36.4%
20
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
Raw Monthly Data
Values are Import Loaded TEUs. Purple indicates reported numbers, orange indicates forecast numbers.
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
2014
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
2015
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
2014
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
2015
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
LA&LB
550,929
659,838
663,843
698,720
661,009
684,402
750,850
681,420
627,137
613,191
472,873
458,687
638,510
703,951
709,712
705,464
715,757
749,917
Montreal
48,165
53,351
54,112
53,483
56,737
52,953
55,994
54,127
49,946
46,610
43,990
47,905
53,765
52,760
54,785
54,560
56,948
55,315
Oakland
60,291
72,571
75,525
73,853
73,325
71,655
72,284
73,124
67,455
74,356
44,171
35,923
67,205
81,615
82,220
81,787
80,698
77,920
NYNJ
234,059
229,683
248,601
240,595
266,371
269,715
252,232
272,576
239,599
250,590
235,293
240,453
250,420
252,962
259,938
258,614
270,580
270,282
Seaport
Alliance
92,975
100,143
106,834
111,836
89,955
86,732
124,962
110,566
84,953
114,482
81,576
84,750
125,817
111,464
111,743
111,052
103,097
103,715
Virginia
80,520
87,113
84,855
77,135
95,080
89,698
87,040
98,066
84,586
86,305
79,733
76,846
84,169
85,081
87,097
84,077
92,657
92,481
Vancouver
115,092
109,177
125,349
130,074
144,018
134,832
131,616
127,169
111,804
125,425
131,858
119,868
110,392
126,038
129,884
126,733
143,448
144,213
Charleston
62,980
62,982
64,704
62,107
65,888
65,453
62,655
70,326
60,087
60,804
65,101
61,486
66,743
66,967
68,398
68,094
68,534
68,131
Prince
Rupert
24,125
28,388
29,475
30,300
40,686
36,744
25,763
23,252
30,448
36,915
35,013
32,212
26,024
30,068
31,390
33,692
39,992
40,646
Savannah
99,310
100,163
112,241
101,667
122,227
127,548
123,216
131,987
112,248
118,140
128,127
114,529
115,540
115,268
119,550
114,139
118,478
119,138
Houston
60,443
56,001
66,659
60,636
66,788
69,652
65,304
67,135
62,275
59,629
70,276
66,518
66,932
66,505
67,480
61,752
69,468
69,169
Miami
26,638
29,460
30,563
26,759
28,155
28,763
25,316
29,180
28,100
32,997
28,129
30,570
30,013
30,422
30,945
30,772
31,450
28,473
Everglades
34,000
33,434
30,567
25,388
26,158
26,680
23,363
23,429
26,091
27,846
28,927
26,676
32,341
31,004
30,669
25,900
27,261
27,357
21
GPT: North American Trade Outlook, April 2015
How to Read the Tables and Charts
The North American edition of the Global Port Tracker provides details on import volumes at 14 ports at the
monthly and quarterly level. Each port is examined on a separate page, with information on actual and forecast
import volumes, key pieces of news, and an analysis of any trends. Furthermore, a table and graphs that depict
detailed information accompany each port page.
Quarterly and annual change for each port is indicated in a table.
In addition to the actual percentage changes, a series of icons are
included to help make trends apparent. A quarter or year with a
10 percent decrease or more has a downward red arrow;
between negative ten and zero a downward yellow arrow;
between zero and positive ten an upward yellow arrow; and an
increase greater than 10 percent has an upward green arrow.
1,400
The quarterly bar chart depicts actual and forecast import levels for each port at the
quarterly level, measured in thousands of TEUs. The chart details five and a half years
of historical data and forecasts one year of future activity. Each bar represents the
volume of imports for a single quarter and is one of either two colors: a purple bar
indicates the value is based on actual data, while an orange bar indicates that the data
is based on forecast estimates.
1,100
The exact value of trade each quarter is indicated above each bar in thousands of TEUs,
and is color coded to assist in viewing trends in the data. A green number indicates an
increase from the prior quarter, while a red quarter indicates a decrease. A black value
is used for the first quarter’s data, and reflects no change.
The monthly bar chart depicts actual and forecast import levels for each port at the monthly
level, measured in thousands of TEUs. The chart details one year of activity, of which
between six and eight months are projections (depending on the port). As with the quarterly
chart, each bar represents the volume of imports, with a purple bar for actual data and an
orange bar for estimated data.
The exact value of trade each month is indicated above each bar in thousands of TEUs,
and is again color coded to assist in viewing trends in the data. The blue line indicates
the volume of trade in the same month one year earlier.
Neither Hackett Associates LLC, the National Retail Federation, nor any of their affiliates warrants the
accuracy or adequacy of the service or information contained therein or shall have any liability with
respect thereto. Hackett Associates, the National Retail Federation, and their affiliates expressly
disclaim warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, those of merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose.
The Global Port Tracker is for the exclusive benefit of the subscribing company. Any redistribution by
any means (including electronically and printed) is strictly prohibited. Redistribution is a violation of
the terms and conditions of sale. We reserve all rights in case infringements are detected.
22