While the war-driven boost in intermodal demand is not breaking the rail network, it is exposing a weak link at the end of the trip where drayage fleets cut during the freight downturn are now struggling to find enough drivers to handle the cargo.
Statements made by the combatants are unclear and did not offer enough information around key aspects of Hormuz transits, such as timings and safe routes, industry stakeholders say.
The US Army Corps of Engineers has recommended deepening the Mississippi port’s main channel to a depth that would allow it to accommodate post-Panamax vessels, up from the feeder container ships it now handles.
