During the first five months of 2010, shipments have been on the rise at the Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville. River barge shipments have increased 35 percent year-to-date and rail traffic moving cargoes in and out of the port has grown more than 70 percent. The port has seen steady growth in shipments of base commodities, including steel, since November 2009.
"Most port tenants have not fully rebounded to pre-recession numbers, but the increases in shipments seem to be indicating some economic recovery in the region," said Matt Smolek, port director at the Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville. "The majority of the port's tenants are suppliers to other industries, such as automotive, appliance and agriculture. When demand increases in those industries, our tonnage figures will generally follow."
The Jeffersonville port is home to 27 businesses, including more than a dozen steel companies.
"Our goal at the Ports of Indiana is to create a sustainable competitive advantage for our customers that will help grow the state's economy," Smolek said. "Port companies benefit by being able to move cargo by rail, road and barge. One of our steel companies estimates it saves as much as $10 per ton in logistics costs by being located at the port."