Bulk Shipping Terminals

U.S. ports and waterways handle more than 2 billion tons of domestic and import/export cargo annually. By 2020, the total volume of cargo shipped by water is expected to be double that of 2001 volumes. Much of total domestic production of basic commodities and finished products is shipped by water, including apples, wastepaper, corn, lumber, iron ore, steel, scrap steel, potatoes, phosphate, plastics, film, machinery, and modular homes. About two-thirds of all U.S. wheat and wheat flour, one-third of soybean and rice production and almost two-fifths of U.S. cotton production is exported via U.S. ports. U.S.- produced coal, grain and forest products also compete well in international markets because of our efficient transportation system.

The international steel industry - for example, could not function without an efficient and cost effective maritime industry transporting the raw materials - coal and iron ore, as well as the means to ship the finished product around the world.

Looking around the average home, the unseen links with the dry cargo industry are all around. Toasting a piece of bread involves metal components in the toaster - manufactured processes using ores and alumina, grain used in the bread and coal-generated electricity providing the power.