Virginia port marks record year

Published January 21, 2014 by Jessica Sabbath

The Port of Virginia moved more containers last year than it has during any other year in its history.

In 2013, the Port of Virginia handled 2.2 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units), up 4.5 percent above the previous record set in 2007. That was also 5.6 percent above cargo handled in 2012.

The port also moved a record amount of cargo by rail at 430,894 containers, an 11.7 percent increased over 2012.

“We finished 2013 with rail cargo representing 34 percent of the port's total container traffic, which, on a calendar-year basis, is the highest percentage in the port's history,” Interim Executive Director Rodney Oliver said in a statement.

Truck and barge cargo represent 62 percent and 4 percent, respectively, of total port traffic.