Jeffrey Birmingham P.E.

How Baltimore Bridge Collapse Affects Auto Shipping: ATI Special Report. "The Port of Baltimore is the ninth busiest port in the United States and the 17th largest overall for international cargo. The facility handles over 50 million tons of international cargo annually. On a daily basis, goods worth between 100 million and 200 million dollars are shipped in and out of the port. Baltimore handled over $6 billion in construction, farm, and passenger vehicle imports and exports last year, making it the third-largest port in the U.S. and the largest site for those goods. In 2023, the total value of imported autos and light trucks was 23 billion dollars. The Port of Baltimore has been the busiest port for cars and light trucks in the United States for 13 consecutive years. Last year, both private and public terminals at the port handled almost 850,000 cars and light trucks, which is more than any other port in the country. The Maryland Port Administration states that 'this facility is within an overnight drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population, and it is closer to the Midwest than any other port on the East Coast.' Over a dozen major automakers, including Audi, Bentley, Ford, GM, Jaguar Land Rover, Lamborghini, Mazda, Mercedes, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Volvo, utilize the Baltimore port for importing and exporting vehicles and automotive parts. For Mercedes Benz, the Baltimore port is one of their four distribution centers in the United States for vehicles coming from Germany. It has been reported that on Tuesday, March 26th, 2024, a cargo ship named 'Dali' lost power and collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge. This incident caused a 1.6 mile section of Interstate 695 to fall into the Patapsco River. Unfortunately, it is presumed that six construction workers lost their lives in the accident. A structural engineer has estimated that it will take 1-2 years to rebuild the 1.6-mile-long span. The closure of the shipping channel is expected to result in a loss of 191 million dollars per day in economic activity. It is still unclear how long it will take to remove the collapsed bridge structure from the 50-foot-deep Patapsco River channel, which leads to the port’s main terminal." - Jay Wertzberger, Founder, ATI Auto Business https://lnkd.in/gnpeaxj8 Watch An ATI Port Of Baltimore Impact Full Panel Discussion https://lnkd.in/gegk6XTC Subscribe to ATI Auto Business https://lnkd.in/gUmQ6U2G #automotiveindustry #baltimore #bridgecollapse #OEM #shipping

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Earlier today, I reshared a post emphasizing the importance of carriers vetting their drivers based on the type of loads they'll be hauling and the physical activity involved. As I reflected further on this topic, it became clear that such discussions shouldn't be taken lightly so let's delve deep into a critical aspect of trucking safety and compliance: driver qualification. Ensuring your drivers are not only qualified but also equipped to handle the unique challenges of your operation is paramount. It's about more than just ticking boxes; it's about mitigating risks and fostering a culture of safety. A key component of driver qualification is the road test. Beyond assessing basic driving skills, a thorough road test should replicate the daily tasks drivers will encounter on the job. This includes tasks like securement procedures, maneuvering in tight spaces, and handling hazardous materials. Why is this level of detail important? Because it offers invaluable insight into a driver's readiness for the role. Road tests reveal more than just technical proficiency; they illuminate physical capabilities, situational awareness, and adaptability—crucial elements of safe and compliant driving. By conducting comprehensive road tests tailored to your specific operation, you can identify candidates who not only meet regulatory requirements but also possess the aptitude and skills necessary to excel in your fleet. This proactive approach not only minimizes the risk of incidents but also enhances operational efficiency and driver satisfaction. Let's elevate your driver qualification process from routine to strategic. Reach out to explore how we can customize road testing protocols to align with your safety and compliance objectives. Together, we can raise the standard for driver excellence and ensure your fleet operates at its best. #TruckingSafety #DriverQualification #ComplianceExcellence

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How important is grain movement to US railroads? Very much so.. While BNSF (top grain hauler in the nation) and UP certainly garner sizable revenue from the sector. Rail has seen a steady decline over a 42 year period. There appears to be a few factors at play, and which grain has contributed to a steady decline in rails share.. Looking at graph below, you’ll notice trucking has edged it’s way to the top spot. Showing ~37% growth over the period, commanding a market share of ~67%. Regardless if grain goes by rail, or barge. Trucking is the first mile and in a few instances the last mile. So it should be no surprise that truck captures a sizable share. All movements from field to elevator begin with a truck. The ethanol boom and growing biofuel production make these truck moves only, when field to facility are considered. Corn and Soy are the primary grains trucked here. Barge has seen its share of decline over the years, facing pressure from lower rail rates, this accelerated under post Staggers, with rails ability to control rates, Mother nature’s fluctuating water levels on the Mississippi, inconsistent investment in improved locks and dams, including a growing backlog of waterway maintenance. Barge dominates corn and soy movements south of St Louis. This is where the Mississippi flows freely, while remaining virtually ice free year round. Tows can reach 42+ barges thanks to a wider, and deeper bathymetry than the upper Mississippi, but persistent drought since 2023 has created draft restrictions hurting barge efficiency, inturn driving up rates. Barge will continue to be at the mercy of climatic events, and potentially lower rail rates moving forward. This includes rail, looking to capture a greater share of corn, and soy going forward. Rails share has declined ~25%. Considerable branch line abandonment from the late 70’s onward, pushed more volume onto the highway. These were elevators that may have shipped a few, or more covered hoppers every week or so. The program begun by Burlington Northern, during the 80’s toward shuttle elevators, while creating a bidding market for trainsets, revolutionized the way unit grain was, and is handled. Today known as COT (Certificate of Transportation) on BNSF. UP’s program is known as GCAS (Grain Car Allocation System). Much grain still moves under tariff rates. However what has additionally caused a significant drop in rails share. Has been the steep decline in wheat. Which according to a recent data, declined 40% over the past 20 years. These are the top wheat producing states: Kansas North Dakota Montana Texas Oklahoma Rail dominates wheat movement, due to distance from inland waterways, and the cost of trucking involved. BNSF hauls a greater share of wheat than UP, and this is reflected in the numbers. As wheat continues to dwindle, BNSF will take the hit. It will be difficult for rail to garner more grain traffic, without a change in wheat production, and improved exports.

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Cheap vehicle shipping is just that — cheap, substandard, and probably not worth your time. The allure of saving a few bucks is strong, but the potential pitfalls of opting for the lowest bidder can turn your budget-friendly choice into a costly ordeal. You often won’t know anything about their past through reviews. It can feel shady. When you choose a cheap vehicle transport service, you could be signing up for a package filled with hidden fees and charges. What initially seems like a bargain can quickly balloon into a hefty bill, as extra costs for insurance, expedited shipping, or door-to-door delivery pile up. But the financial aspect is just the tip of the iceberg. The real risks lie in the corners cut to offer those low prices. Minimal insurance coverage is a common tactic, leaving you vulnerable if your vehicle sustains damage during transit. Without adequate protection, you could be left footing the bill for repairs or, in the worst-case scenario, a total loss. Customer service is another area where cheap services often fall short. Limited support means you're left in the dark, struggling to get updates on your shipment or assistance if something goes awry. It's not just inconvenient; it's stressful. And let's talk about reliability. Budget vehicle transport services are notorious for their unpredictable schedules and frequent delays. If you're counting on your vehicle arriving by a certain date, this lack of dependability can throw a wrench in your plans. The quality of carriers and equipment is another concern. To slash prices, some companies use substandard carriers and aging equipment, increasing the risk of accidents or damage during transit. It's a gamble that can have serious consequences for your vehicle's safety. Even the range of options can be limited with cheaper services. You might find yourself stuck with a one-size-fits-all solution that doesn't quite fit your needs or preferences. And then there's the risk of scams and fraud. The vehicle transport industry, like any other, has its share of unscrupulous operators. Extremely low prices can be a red flag, signaling potential scams. It's crucial to do your homework, read reviews, and verify credentials before entrusting your vehicle to a transport company. So, what's the alternative? It's simple: prioritize quality, safety, and reliability over the allure of the lowest price. Look for a transport service that offers transparent pricing, comprehensive insurance, and excellent customer service. Choose a company with a track record of reliable, timely delivery and a network of trusted carriers. In the end, it's not just about getting your vehicle from one place to another. It's about ensuring it arrives safely, without any nasty surprises or hidden costs. It's about peace of mind, knowing that you've made a smart, informed decision that protects your investment. #Logistics #AutoTransport #SafeShipping

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Why Port Of Baltimore Bridge Collapse Affects Shipping Nationwide. "Port of Baltimore is a very, very massive port for automobiles - both in and out (import-export), and it also is a huge hub for intermodal and box container shipping (once again, import and export). It is a hundred and seventy some add acres of sheer madness (if you want to know the truth). It's a lot of volume (a lot of automobiles come in and out of that facility). And the reason why is the classic real estate conversation that you have... location, location, and location. It is right online for two major railroads (the CSX and Norfolk Southern) - so volume can get to and from there very easily (by way of their spurs). It has easy access to I-95, I-81, and I-70... so you can get from Maine to Florida and a straight shot to Ohio (you know into the Midwest). So real easy access, as long as you're willing to deal with Baltimore's traffic. The infrastructure all sort of converges right into that spot. Port of Baltimore services General Motors, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, Volvo, and Mazda. Just about everyone goes in or out of there. It's a very, very, very busy facility. A lot of movement. A lot of car hauling in and a lot of car hauling out. And probably the most interesting statistic that I find (and I heard this quite a while ago and I went looking for it to confirm it), Today, two-thirds of the population of the United States (sixty-five plus percent) is within five hundred miles of the Port of Baltimore." Joseph Bercari (VP and GM, Mid-Western Car Carriers) https://www.mwcci.com/ Watch The 'Port Of Baltimore Impact' Full Discussion https://lnkd.in/gegk6XTC Subscribe to ATI Auto Business https://lnkd.in/gUmQ6U2G #automotive #portofbaltimore #OEM #dealers #autotransport #logistics

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Planning a drivers work/rest based on conditions, activity and location assists a driver to minimise fatigue - how as a PCBU have you reviewed these risks and pkanbed a reasonable safecwirk environment? Driving is a workplace so be aware of your workplace obligations.

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Overcoming obstacles is a part of every trucker's journey. Discover how the SAP program provides a pathway to recovery for drivers facing challenges. Join us live on The Rig On Wheels Show at 3 PM CST to uncover effective strategies for a professional comeback in the trucking industry. Subscribe to our YouTube channel, tune in live, and share this important discussion with your network to assist others in regaining their professional footing with confidence. #CareerDevelopment #TruckingIndustry #TheRigOnWheelsShow

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The Port of Baltimore is on the brink of full recovery following months of restricted access due to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. With major shipping lines like Maersk, MSC, and Hapag-Lloyd resuming services, the port is poised for a surge in cargo volumes. Federal agencies and stakeholders are actively coordinating to ensure a smooth transition. As Baltimore gears up to handle increased demand, preparedness, and communication remain key. Are you ready for the return of Baltimore-bound cargo, and how will your operations adapt to the renewed access? 🚢📦 #data #information #operations #supplychain #logistics #b2b #saas #highvalue #3pl #manufacturing #distribution #globallogistics #globaltrade #saas #damage #claims #chargebacks #photodocumentation #cloud #digital #innovation #automation #shipmenttracking

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The United States’ supply chain is resilient and built to withstand enormous strain. Sal Mercogliano and I may give an update this week on next steps in salvage ops, supply chain, and even maritime law’s rule of “general average.” Before that, let me clear something up… I’ve been asked by folks about the supply chain, inflation, and flow of goods in the stream of commerce. Baltimore is indeed a growing containerized port. As my friend Mark Szakonyi of the Journal of Commerce points out, sensationalism of the system during tough times is just that… sensationalized. I can say, Baltimore “will be” a formidable contender in the coming years, once the “Howard Street Tunnel” double stack rail line opens to the midwest, and Trade Point Atlantic/MSC -TIL container terminal is built and operating — doubling capacity in and around the port of Charm City. 💯’s of millions of dollars have been spent in the distribution, sorting and fulfillment warehousing space in and around Maryland for containerized goods. No doubt, the Port of Baltimore is the largest importer and exporter of autos, light trucks and farm equipment in the country. But, Baltimore handles maybe 1 million containers per year. The Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach handles +/- 1 million containers per month. And same with Port of New York/New Jersey, it handles 700k-plus per month. Indeed, Baltimore needs to get back to work. Longshoremen are the backbone of the Port, they showed up 24-7-365 during COVID. This temporary shut down impacts coal miners in western Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia— they all rail to on-dock Baltimore for export. Paper and pulp is big in Baltimore — think Amazon boxes. Autos are huge. But, again, every day retail items will not be affected. The supply chain is resilient, just like Baltimore.

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The Freight Railroad system is the backbone of America's economy. It moves over 1.6 billion tons of goods each year. Enhanced railcar designs have notably increased efficiency, with modern cars now averaging 4,089 tons per haul, up from 2,923 tons in 2000.

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Commercial driver training using A.I. simulation should be mandatory by FMCSA/FTA for all drivers to train on when it comes to space and speed management!

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Flatbed Auto Shipping Carriers Flatbed shipping carriers transport vehicles too large, heavy, or damaged to be loaded onto a standard open auto transport carrier. While size and weight are crucial factors, there are other reasons to consider when evaluating a vehicle. For instance, a non-running car that cannot roll or steer properly can also impact its functionality. https://lnkd.in/eEPqgafM

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THINK what 500 trucks a day OFF the roads does to preserving those roads and the MONEY SAVED of your hard earned tax dollars ($$$$) required to REPAIR those roads. DEMAND BETTER. BARGE IS BEST! VRT100.COM 304.692.1692

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Easing initial concerns, trucking has adapted well to the disruptions caused by the #Baltimore bridge collapse, according to the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA): https://lnkd.in/egYRbTJn With a recent waiver allowing additional driving hours, truckers have managed the detours effectively. The situation is expected to improve with the port's anticipated reopening at the end of May, reflecting the industry's resilience and adaptability in overcoming logistical challenges. By leveraging our extensive network and logistics expertise, COGISTICS Transportation can help reroute diverted shipments efficiently, minimizing delays. Our experience in managing unexpected shifts in transportation routes ensures that we can provide timely solutions and maintain supply chain continuity, which is crucial during such disruptions. https://lnkd.in/gPtfzJTx

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Traditional vs Modern The “Tow-Truck” 2.0 No one likes when their car gets towed, but would you you prefer this method of towing versus the crude chains and hooks that we are accustomed to? In fact, some areas are utilizing this method of “re-parking” to the nearest legal spot versus towing the vehicle away altogether. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts? #Technology #Evolution #TowTruck #ParkingVallet

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