As the initial experience indicates, North American port extended gates adoption, despite increasing container volume and truck congestion, is coming in fits and starts.

In its decision, the port also offered information regarding what it would need to see to resume the program.

US chemical producers knew a sector boom would create logistics challenges. But what they did not anticipate was other growing sectors putting extreme pressure on US trucking as well, with a huge spillover to intermodal rail.

Analysts at 3rd Annual JOC Gulf Shipping Conference in Houston see US Gulf imports increasing 8 percent this year, while exports should rise 2 percent, assuming no trade war occurs. Further, Gulf exports could exceed forecasts, if the long-delayed boom in exports of synthetic resins from the region materializes soon.

The long-delayed boom in plastic resin exports is forecast to finally arrive this year, sector officials say, and a second wave is likely by 2022. That is expected to create opportunities for ports on all three US seacoasts, but it will also stress port, truck, and intermodal rail operations.

After a substantial gain in 2017, retailers are forecasting another increase in US container import volume in 2018, as container lines and beneficial cargo owners prepare for annual trans-Pacific rate and service contract negotiations.

Petrochemical producers have invested tens of billions of dollars into Gulf Coast plants that are starting to enter production and that are expected to substantially boost annual US resin exports.

Houston is adjusting operations and investing heavily in infrastructure to meet heightened competition for US resin exports.

Barbours Cut to follow as port prepares for volume growth.

“Whenever the business volumes reach the top quadrant, there will be chassis shortages, and that’s where we are now.”

Terminals handle container ships during holiday weekend.

Export supply chains for synthetic resins have resumed limited operations.

This resource includes customer updates from logistics companies and transportation providers, and ways people can contribute to charitable organizations to help those affected by the storm and flooding.

Houston and several other Texas and Louisiana ports hope to restart operations by Labor Day.

Truck rates may spike as they did after Katrina.

Cargo transportation providers along the Texas coast are preparing for major disruptions from Hurricane Harvey.

The offering starts Aug. 27 and lasts eight weeks.