Friday Port of Houston Fact: 1920

Port of Houston  1920:

The Port of Houston's first directory,  Benjamin Casey Allin III, developed and subsequently patented an industrial site and railway access design that ports and maritime industries continue to use today.

Friday Port of Houston Fact: 1919

Port of Houston1919:  

The first directg shipment of cotton to Europe left the Port of Houston on the M/V Merry Mount.  A total of 23,719 bales of cotton was shipped to Liverpool England.

East Coast Port Updates

Port of New York & New Jersey Winter Contingency

Last winter was exceptionally cold and snowy across most of the United States. The Port of New York and New Jersey (NY & NJ) was hit particularly hard with a record snowfall of 61 inches - nearly 33 inches above normal. The weather had a profound impact on the Port's ability to remain efficient and provide reliable service to our customers. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's Winter Outlook, which was issued last month, indicates that a repeat of last year's extremely cold, snowy winter is unlikely. However, measures have been taken at the Port to help minimize the potential impact.

Based on the proven success of last year, The Port Authority of NY & NJ will continue to host planning conferences in advance of each predicted weather event. The terminal operators, trucking associations, labor, equipment providers, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will all work together to develop a unified plan to address any weather-related closings and to plan recovery efforts. Any changes in hours of operations (i.e. weather related closures, additional hours, etc.) will be communicated, as early as, possible so that truckers and Beneficial Cargo Owners can better plan for future container recovery.

Happy Birthday!

Happy 100th Birthday

to the 

Port of Houston

Official opening of the Houston Ship Channel

November 10th,  1914

** For the balance of the 2014 year, we'll be sharing Port of  Houston Trivia every Friday,  so be sure to check back and check it out**

West Coast Ports causing Customer Delivery issues

US Ports' Labor Strife Threatening Deliveries

JUSTIN PRITCHARD ON NOV 11, 2014
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Spreading labor strife at major West Coast seaports is exacerbating importers' problems getting products to market, threatening the on-time delivery of some holiday goods.

Until this week, dockworkers and their employers were negotiating a new contract with little of the public drama that characterized past talks.

No longer. The association representing companies that ship cargo in and out of 29 West Coast ports and manage containers once onshore is accusing the dockworkers union of deliberately slowing work to gain bargaining leverage. Their contract expired in July.

The Pacific Maritime Association said Thursday that the union isn't dispatching enough workers at the twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach who are skilled at loading containers from dockside yards onto trucks and trains. The report comes amid months of unrelated congestion at the ports. On Monday, the association said crane operators with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union in Washington state are moving cargo at half-speed.

According to U.S. trade data, cargo worth $892 billion crossed the docks from San Diego to Seattle in 2013, accounting for much of the trade with Asia. A lockout in 2002 cost the economy billions of dollars.

Cargo at Los Angeles and Long Beach, by far the busiest ports in the nation, has been taking unusually long to clear the docks since the summer. Both sides agree a big cause of the congestion is a lack of truck chassis that carry containers off sprawling lots and into the flow of commerce.

Now add what employers term a work slowdown, and the twin ports are approaching "the brink of gridlock," the association said in a statement.

A spokesman for the union did not deny a slowdown, but he also blamed employers for the congestion.

Cargo flow is gummed up for several reasons that predate the recent labor issues, union spokesman Craig Merrilees said. There has been a shortage of not just truck chassis, but also drivers to move containers to distribution centers, an issue Merrilees attributed to poor wages and exploitative working conditions.

Past negotiations have seen work slowdowns. During contract negotiations in 2002, employers locked out longshoremen following slowdown allegations.

Whether the current problems are a prelude to a breakthrough or deeper strife is unclear. At least one outside group with a big stake in the outcome is worried.

"The threat of a West Coast port shutdown is creating high levels of uncertainty in a fragile economic climate," the National Retail Federation wrote Thursday in a letter to President Barack Obama that was signed by 105 trade associations representing an array of industries.

The federation asked that a federal mediator get involved.

The problems come as some importers are trying to hustle a last rush of holiday goods into their warehouses.

Nov 11th -- IMPORTANT NOTICE

I-10 Freeway Closure

Due to an accident yesterday afternoon that had the East Freeway West Bound down to 2 lanes most of yesterday afternoon,  they now have the freeway closed since midnight last night.   This is causing severe traffic congestion in our area this morning, and is anticipated for the balance of the day.

If your trucks are heading into us from the west on I-10,  they should exit Gelhorn, and circle around on the feeder road to our facility.    At this time trucks coming in from the east are being rerouted onto 610 or Market,  both of which are backed up for miles.

From 610  North Loop exit McCarty,  head south to Portwall, turn left onto Portwall and follow it around almost to I-10.  Our gate is the 2nd one past the RR tracks

From 610 East Loop (ship channel area) Exit the East Loop at Market,  turn left onto Market,  just past the Budweiser plant,  turn right onto Gelhorn,  go under I-10 and turn left onto the feeder road,  1st street on Right is Portwall,  turn right and our gate will be the first open gate on the right.

Port-related jobs in Texas!

1,026,820

Port Related Jobs in TEXAS!!!

The Port of Houston Authority has been an active contributor to the Houston local and regional communities for nearly a century.  Through job creation, support of small businesses, environmental stewardship and educational initiatives, we are committed to helping our region reach its full potential.

We've come a long way!

Houston Ship Channel:  1914

The Houston Ship Channel is expanding,  widening and deepening.  When you see the Ariel shots it's a far cry from this shot 100 years ago.

Port of Houston Extends Hours

Over a year in the planning,  the Port of Houston Authority has agreed along with U. S. Customs , to extend the Port hours to 18:00 -- effective  November 17th.  This extra hour is a major accomplishment for the  international trade community.

This extension of hours will be a TEST for 6 months while the program is evaluated.  Trucks will be able to enter until 6 pm,  but must be out of the port before 7 pm.  Standard gate operations will be in place.  Please note that all standard container cut-off times will not be extended.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  this change does have limitations,  for example, this extra hour is ONLY for Barbours Cut and Bay Port Terminals.  Further is is only for standard 200 foot and 40 foot containers and high cubes.  Reefers and out-of-gauge cargo are excluded.

Information courtsey of Jetco Delivery

State of Port Event Nov 6th

Learn more about Russian Sanctions

 October 30th DEC Export University - Russian Sanctions

This half day session will include an overview of new Russia industry sector sanctions imposed by the Bureau of Industry and Security, and other related OFAC and BIS sanctions.  Join us as Jamie Joiner, Managing Member, Joiner Law Firm PLLC and other panelists share what you need to know to stay in compliance.

For More Information and Registration Click the Link Below:
 http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=qg6pm6iab&oeidk=a07e9v21v5m01429a47

Russia is . . . . .

We had the opportunity to attend the  U. S. Russia Chamber of Commerce event on US - Russia business relations.   Russia is a hot topic that everyone in the international community is discussing because of sanctions that seem to be changing on a daily basis.

One of the most interesting tidbits that I pulled from the meeting  was that  Russia is the #10 Trading Partner through the Port of Houston!

This caught me a little by surprise,  as I though that it was further down the list.

Port of Houston -- Wider and Deeper

Major Mexico Projects Report

Major Infrastructure Projects in MEXICO: A Resource Guide for U.S. Industry. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency has released an infrastructure project guide to provide U.S. exporters with an overview sector development plans in place through 2018 and profiles of sample projects. Download at: http://buyusainfo.net/docs/x_8012471.pdf  

Leading Metropolitan Area for Exports

New Data Shows Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Continues to be the Leading Metropolitan Area for Exports. Export data from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration’s (ITA) shows that merchandise exports from the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area totaled a record $115 billion, an increase of 4 percent or $4.7 billion from 2012 to 2013. See: http://www.trade.gov/mas/ian/metroreport/index.asp

Dixie Cullen #17 on Houston Business Journals Fastest Growing Woman Owned Businesses

Beyond The List: Texas, Houston among best places for women-owned businesses

Sep 25, 2014, 2:47pm CDT

Madison Henry

Research director-Houston Business Journal

Email  |  Twitter

September 26th  the Houston Business Journal will release its rankings for the Fastest-Growing Women-Owned Businesses List and a new List of the Largest Women-Owned Businesses, ranked by locally generated revenue. The businesses on The Lists represent a tiny fraction of the women-owned businesses (WOBs) in Houston.

According to The State of Women-Owned Businesses, 2014, a report published by American Express OPEN, there are more than 178,500 women-owned businesses in the Houston metro area, representing 24 percent of all women-owned businesses in Texas. Between 2002 and 2014, the number of women-owned businesses in Texas increased 52 percent, the fifth-fastest in the nation.

Texas ranked as the ninth best state for women-owned businesses, tied with Utah. The rankings were based on the number of women-owned businesses in the state, the revenue growth between 2002 and 2014 and growth in number of employees in the same period.

1. North Dakota
2. District of Columbia
3. Nevada
4. Arizona
5. Georgia
6. Wyoming
7. Virginia
8. Maryland
9. Texas and Utah (tied)

Among the metro areas with the greatest increase in number of WOBs, Houston was beat out by fellow Texas markets San Antonio, which ranked first, and Dallas, which came in second. The number of WOBs increased 86 percent in San Antonio and 63 in Dallas. However, Houston dominated when it came to overall revenue increase: WOBs in Houston increased revenues by 112 percent between 2002 and 2014.

It's no surprise Houston's WOB are growing. Companies on this year's List of Fastest-Growing Women-Owned Businesses increased revenues 56 percent on average between 2012 and 2013 and generated combined revenues of $1.34 billion. Companies that ranked on The List must be at least 51 percent women-owned and have generated at least $1 million in revenue in 2013.

In the overall rankings of the metro areas, San Antonio enjoys the top spot, followed by a four-way tie that includes Atlanta, Baltimore, Houston, and Portland. The sixth through tenth places are filled by: Washington, D.C.; Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg, Florida; Seattle; Dallas; and Riverside, California.

The companies on the Largest Women-Owned Businesses generated a combined $1.79 billion in revenues for 2013 and employ 3,700 people in the Houston area.

What's Happening at the Port of Houston

What's Happening at the Port of Houston- An update on activities for growing International Trade

The DEC and The Greater Houston Partnership have joined forces for our October outreach event. Join us for a panel presentation from the Port of Houston “What’s Happening at the Port?" Find out what’s new, what's improving, what freight is moving and what’s on the horizon that will impact our exporting community!

Where

Greater Houston Partnership

1200 Smith, Suite 700
Houston, TX 77002-4400

Driving Directions

Contact

Jolie Cosman
Houston District Export Council
(713) 269-7044
jolie@letterofcreditcollection.com

Lined up in a row!

Over the years,  one thing that we can plan on,  is that plans change, and Dixie Cullen must be flexible.  Some items come to us for transloading and end up needing to stay in storage for a little while for one reason or another.  While other items come in for long term storage and something changes and it's shipping long before the customer had intended it to ship.  While still others come and go on a continous basis.  

Through it all,  we strive to keep a cutomers equipment and/or material in one area, together for their quick and easy access.

Port of Los Angeles Fire Update

Update - Port of Los Angeles Fire

Last night a fire broke out at the Port of Los Angeles, burning roughly 150 feet of dock in the Wilmington neighborhood. The fire threatened a nearby warehouse and forced the evacuation of about 850 people from two terminals. All terminals are currently closed at the Port of Los Angeles. The bulk of the fire is reportedly under control but still continues to smolder with large plumes of smoke triggering more evacuations in the surrounding neighbor due to concerns about air quality. Officials are also advising that residents who have not evacuated the area keep their windows closed, air conditioning off, and avoid being outside In addition, only a few terminals are open at the twin Port of Long Beach including ITS, PCT and Pier A. This incident may also impact the availability of longshoremen labor at the effected terminals.

Big increase in Steel Moving through Port of Houston

Big Increase in Steel Moving Across Docks at Port of Houston Authority in JulyPosted on: August 27, 2014

Record Monthly Operating Revenues Exceed $24 Million

More steel moved across the docks in July than any month since 2008, Executive Director Roger Guenther reported at the August 26 meeting of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority.

Guenther also noted that PHA has achieved a record, with operating revenues in July 2014 of more than $24 million. Steel and bulk cargo support a solid 5 percent growth in tonnage, he said. More than 22 million tons of cargo moved across Port Authority docks during the first seven months. The month of July also recorded the highest tonnage in steel since 2008, 844,000 tons. Container volume was relatively flat compared to last year, but has seen a 4-percent increase in the number of loaded boxes year to date. This was offset by a reduced number of empty containers being imported through PHA terminals due to an increase in loaded imports.

Combining the strength in revenues and controlled spending, PHA has generated more than $65 million in operating cash flow for the year, a growth of 5 percent, Guenther reported. Following the first two quarters of 2014, PHA has prepared a reforecast budget for the remainder of the year, reflecting a $5.8 million increase in annual operating revenue, a decrease of $2.1 million in annual operating expense, and a reduction in G&A expense of $1.9 million, which results in a revised 10-percent increase in reforecast cash flow for the year, topping $100 million.

“This revenue generated will be reinvested in the infrastructure assets needed to increase capacity and provide for increased economic activity and job growth for the region,” Guenther said.

Guenther attended the Centennial celebration of the opening of the Panama Canal held this month. He stated that it was a great opportunity to engage with customers and shipping lines from around the world. He said that Panama officials shared that the expansion is progressing and is still scheduled to open in January 2016.

In her opening remarks, Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria noted that the Port Authority and its industry partners will host a “Military to Maritime” career fair on September 3 at PHA’s Bayport Cruise Terminal in Pasadena. Sponsored by the American Maritime Partnership, the event is designed for servicemen and servicewomen who are interested in transitioning from the military to a maritime-related field.

Registration and more information about the event can be accessed at http://www.americanmaritimepartnership.com/military2maritime.

“The availability of a trained and ready workforce is key to supporting our growing maritime industry,” Longoria said. On September 6, Promote Houston Ship Channel 2014 Inc. will host a family-friendly, outdoor festival at the cruise terminal in recognition of the Houston Ship Channel’s centennial celebration. The free event is open to the public. Pre-registration is required on the Promote Houston Ship Channel 2014 website at http://promotehoustonshipchannel2014.org/events/get-on-board. The Port of Houston Authority, along with the U.S. Coast Guard, Harris County Precinct 2, San Jacinto College and the Houston Pilots are also sponsoring its annual Maritime and Logistics Youth Expo earlier on this same day.

Other events commemorating the centennial include a rededication ceremony on November 10, 2014, to observe the historic date when President Woodrow Wilson fired a cannon via remote control from his office in Washington D.C. to officially open the deep-water Houston Ship Channel for operation in 1914.

“The Houston Ship Channel’s centennial is a significant milestone, and we are working to ensure that this legacy continues to drive economic expansion through the next century and beyond,” Longoria said.

Longoria reported that in July, the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Bostick, was briefed on the economic growth along the Houston Ship Channel and given an aerial tour of the federal waterway, the nation’s busiest waterway and home to the largest petrochemical complex in the U.S.

She also recognized PHA firefighters who worked in partnership with other local agencies in a rescue on August 18 of a fishing vessel that capsized about three miles south of the Fred Hartman Bridge. Longoria also presented a resolution in honor of Port Commission Chairman Emeritus Ned Holmes, who was honored recently as the Maritime Person of the Year at the Greater Houston Port Bureau annual gala. Holmes served on the Commission from 1987 to 2000, including 12 years as Chairman.

The next Port Commission meeting will be held Tuesday, September 23.

About the Port of Houston Authority

For nearly 100 years, the Port of Houston Authority has owned/operated the public cargo-handling facilities of the Port of Houston – the nation’s largest port in terms of foreign waterborne tonnage. The port has historically been an economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas and the nation. The port contributes to the creation of more than one million statewide and more than 2.1 million nationwide jobs and the generation of more than $178.5 billion of statewide and $499 billion of nationwide economic activity.

For more information, please visit www.portofhouston.com