Port Of Baltimore Sets New Record

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- New record-setting numbers have been released by the Port of Baltimore. Last year, port workers handled more vehicles than any other U.S. port of entry.

Gigi Barnett explains why 2014 was a banner year and what that means for Maryland's economy.

Baltimore's port is the first stop and the last point of exit for most vehicles coming in and out of the country. It's held that number one title for the last four years, but now the port has more bragging rights backed by new numbers released this week.

"We did a little less than 800,000 containers this year," said Port Administration Executive Director James White.

That's a 2014 record for the port. Container cargo was up 10 percent from the previous year. White says Baltimore has several factors that make it so attractive to international businesses.

"It's centrally located," White said. "We have a big population, third largest consumer group in the country."

Something else the port boasts: jobs. More than 100,000 of them. They're an anchor for the state's economy.

"They're good paying, family-supporting jobs. Produces over $3 billion in income and wage to Marylanders year in and year out," White said. "As the port grows, the state grows."

But the port isn't all work and no play. Its cruise industry recently garnered a spot on the top five list when it comes to the number of passengers setting sail in and out of Baltimore.

All of the shipping success at the port means it has a new general cargo record now. Last year, nearly 10 billion goods came in and out of Baltimore.

The port says it's expecting even more business in the years to come, thanks to the expansion of the Panama Canal in South America.