Without the delays of the nation’s other coasts, and with a growing population and the desire of companies to place inventory closer to customers, the US Gulf region’s ports have a competitive edge and are poised for business wins.

With the long-awaited boom in US production of synthetic resins expected to finally materialize this year, shippers are urging carriers to add more services from the Gulf to Asia. But will ocean carriers respond?

Wade Elliot, vice president of business and marketing development for Port Tampa Bay, talks about the factors that have ports along the US Gulf preparing for future growth.

Analysts and transportation providers say Hurricane Irma, which followed hot on the heels of Hurricane Harvey, could have lasting impacts on truck rates and capacity through January 2018.