“Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success,” said Model T creator Henry Ford.
Getting ready for success is what the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore has accomplished for more than 300 years. Baltimore ranks as one of the top cargo-handling ports in the United States. In 2005, the total value of cargo moving through Baltimore was the highest in port history at $35.8 billion.
Thanks in small part to the quintessential inventor, automobile cargo underscores the port?s great success. Baltimore ranks No. 2 nationally for combined export-import automobile handling. Last year, more than 500,000 vehicles crossed the piers, according to Maryland Port Authority statistics.
Baltimore?s strategic inland location and broad distribution capabilities have enabled the port to establish important relationships with major automobile manufacturers. Mercedes-Benz USA, a friend to the port since 1965, has solidified its relationship for the long term. A new 20-year contract was signed in 2004 to lease 104 acres of land directly to the world-renowned luxury car producer. It was the largest lease ever between an auto manufacturer and the port of Baltimore.
The economic impact of the agreement is profound. According to state officials, the contract will produce $61.6 million in revenue over the life of the agreement, retain 330 direct jobs and generate $3.6 million in state and local taxes annually. During the first term of the contract, a minimum of 280,500 Mercedes-Benz vehicles will come through the port.
Other automobile makers have decided to relocate port activities in Baltimore.
In November, Subaru moved its vehicle processing business here from Newport News, Va. Approximately 31,000 Subaru vehicles, including export of the Subaru Tribeca, manufactured in the United States, will roll through the port.
“Baltimore is well-suited to handle autos and other rolling cargoes,” said Mel Bafford, MPA general manager for automobiles and project cargo. “Our inland location, strong infrastructure and work force are key ingredients to our success.” Henry Ford would approve.
A longtime export analyst and consultant, Joseph R. Hughes? maritime-related articles have appeared in numerous publications. He is a native Baltimorean. E-mail your questions to him at [email protected].
