Supply Chain Research

The Virginia Port Authority is closing one of its terminals in response to “a record number” of reduction in sailings by container lines “due to the COVID-19 pandemic”. The move looks extreme given the port of Norfolk’s inbound volumes only fell by 7.9% year over year in March compared to 19.9% at Savannah and 17.3% at Charleston. However, it is a sign of what may be to come as the supply chain impact of the pandemic spreads. Other strategies being followed by other ports include cost cutting and services such as in-terminal storage for importers who are short of warehouse space. Norfolk...