Peter T. Leach, Senior Editor | Feb 09, 2012 12:01PM EST
The Port of Baltimore handled a record-number of containers and automobiles in 2011, as both cargos surpassed levels set before the 2009 recession.
Container throughput rose by 3 percent year-over-year to 631,806 20-foot equivalent units as demand continued to rebound from the recession.
The volume of autos handled by the port jumped 12 percent to 446,403 units, with exports jumping 32 percent to 166,077 units.
The surge in auto volume helped Baltimore become the largest auto port in the country.
In addition, roll-on, roll-off cargo tonnage increased by 51 percent in 2011 to 938,675 tons, making it the second best ro-ro year ever after 2008, when it hit a record of 969,272 tons.
Contact Peter T. Leach at pleach@joc.com.