PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Truck drivers are preparing for a surge in freight to Hampton Roads following Tuesday’s bridge collapse in Baltimore.
Thousands of trucks run through the Port of Virginia daily. George Berry, CEO of FTBT Transport LLC in Portsmouth, believes it is closer to 3,000 trucks per day.
Like many, he felt for the families when he heard the news of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsing in Baltimore. After taking some time to think about the implications of closing the Port of Baltimore, he is now looking ahead to what this means for freight volumes.
With the major freight artery shut down, the Port of Virginia said in a statement that they are preparing to take on extra freight.
“We’ve seen surges of freight come through our ports and we know what that challenge looks like, but we’ve never seen anything like this before,” Berry said in reference to the bridge collapse. “But we’re up to the task here at the Port of Virginia. We want to see this port thrive. And we just want to make sure that port drivers are still being respected through our partners.”
Berry said some drivers are looking forward to taking on the new jobs, and added they had a slower season in 2023. However, he is worried about potential congestion, causing truckers extra time waiting at the port. Berry said they are not paid by the hour.
One other thing drivers contend with in Hampton Roads — truck restrictions along Hampton Boulevard. It prevents them from using the main artery out of the port before 6 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Drivers who violate this rule could face hefty fines and court dates.
“I believe if they lift that restriction to at least match the port hours for this temporary basis, it would definitely help drivers to go back and forth between ports during this this trying time,” Berry said.
As for how long this surge may last, Berry expects they are in it for the long haul.
“I’d say it’s definitely months,” Berry said. “You know, we’re not looking at weeks. We’re looking at months.”
Berry and the rest of his crew are prepared to help with this surge of freight for as long as they need to.
