As shippers and carriers evaluate their global transportation strategies for 2022, a regional port strategy should be part of the plan. Regional ports have proven to be reliable and efficient gateways to move cargo, even during the incredible period of congestion in 2021.
The Port of Boston’s Conley Terminal, for example, successfully maintained operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic while also completing an $850 million infrastructure expansion project that allows the facility to handle ships with up to 14,000 TEU of capacity.
This network diversification approach should be part of every shipper’s national container routing strategy. Importers and exporters will benefit from diversifying their port gateway mix to include both large national gateways and niche regional ports as a risk mitigation tool.
The ocean freight industry has been upended in the past year, challenging all stakeholders to reimagine how they provide value in the global supply chain. Ports such as Boston can be a strategic solution for shippers in 2022, ensuring they receive the capacity and premium customer service they deserve. Transportation partners that provide flexibility and outside-the-box solutions will be better positioned in the long term.