New Orleans Port Operators Cut Hours

Both of the terminal operators at the Port of New Orleans have reduced their business hours in response to the economic recession and reduced shipping, the Times-Picayune reported.

Ports America said earlier this month that it would cut a total of 10 hours each week, closing at noon on Tuesdays and Fridays, the Times-Picayune said.

New Orleans Terminal, which operates the other half of the Napolean Avenue Container Terminal, said recently that it had cut two hours from its schedule each day.

Drayage truck drivers have started to line up before Ports America's 7 a.m. opening, trying to get as many hauls in as possible, the Times-Picayune said.

The terminal operators cut hours in order to cut costs as cargo shipments continue to decline, the Times-Picayune said. The Port of New Orleans had its worst year since 1985 last year, moving 6 million tons of general cargo. Container traffic was down 25% in the first quarter of this year, the Times Picayune said.