Maritime Group Predicts Port Problems Across U.S.

img src="/sites/default/files/images/articles/printeditiontag_new.gif" width=120 align=right>Although intermodal connections at U.S. ports are currently good enough to keeping cargo moving, they probably will not be sufficient in a few years if freight traffic grows as predicted, according to a new report by the Maritime Administration.

Its Nov. 1 report said highway and rail access were significant issues and that as freight volumes grow, trucks-only routes would become more important to separate passenger and freight traffic.

"Getting a ship into port is only part of the story," Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert said. "If the goods can't move quickly away from the water, then our transportation system isn't doing the job."