Early Tuesday morning, the 1.6-mile-long Baltimore Key bridge collapsed into the Patapsco Rover. Around 1:30 am, a massive container ship crashed into one of the bridge’s support beams, causing it to fall. The Francis Scott Key Bridge is a central transportation hub on the East Coast of the U.S. It is also an entry point to the Port of Baltimore, a significant East Coast port. During the collapse, vehicles with people were on the bridge. At the current time, there are no reported casualties. However, rescuers are still looking for people in the waters. The director of communications in the Baltimore City Fire Department notes that up to 20 people may be in the river.

What Can The Baltimore Key Bridge Collapse Mean For Shipping?

Nearly 35,000 people use the port daily, meaning the collapse can significantly impact shipping. Since the passage is the main entrance to the Port of Baltimore, it directly affects the international cargo movement. The Port of Baltimore handles the highest volume of autos and light truck imports in the U.S. It is also one of the biggest importers of gypsum and sugar in the U.S. One of the main effects is that port operations will halt, leading to potential bottlenecks in supply chains. Along with cargo entering the U.S., exporters using the port to ship to other countries will also feel the strain.

Due to the significance of the Port of Baltimore, closure may result in an increase in West Coast port imports. The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge also has an impact on domestic shipping. Drayage services for moving containers to and from the port relied on the bridge for decades. Since its opening in 1977, truckers used the causeway to link transport between Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia, and New York. Overall delays and traffic will increase around the accident area as drivers look for alternative routes. Traffic increases delivery time, which is unfavorable for truckers with clients who expect their goods to move late.

How Can You Protect Your Shipment?

With the volume of cargo that goes into and out of the Port of Baltimore, you must take steps to protect your shipments. To start, a shipper should know of any occurrences affecting their shipment. This could mean watching the news or checking a trusted online source for updates. Knowing where the traffic is excessive is essential in preventing backlogs for a scenario like a bridge collapse. Communicating efficiently with other parts of your supply chain is crucial to ensure a smooth flow.

The most proven way to protect your shipment is to get assistance from a 3PL (Third Party Logistics) company. 3PLs offer extensive services to create an efficient supply chain for their client. Examples include freight forwarding, customs brokering, transportation, distribution, etc. Forwarders coordinate cargo transportation internationally, and brokers clear imported shipments from U.S. customs. Freight forwarders, in particular, help shippers navigate situations like the collapsing of a high-traffic bridge or port shutdowns. Reach us at 305-821-8995 or info@a1wwl.com to find out how we ensure the success of your supply chain. A1 Worldwide Logistics is a 3PL with experience finding solutions for your imports/exports.