U.S. Ports, Rail, and Road Conditions
A major winter storm is moving up the U.S. East Coast, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and near-whiteout conditions from the mid-Atlantic through New England.
Travel bans and states of emergency have been declared in areas including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Hartford, and Washington, D.C.. Road conditions across the area are hazardous, with restrictions affecting commercial traffic and linehaul movements.
Notably, major container and ro-ro operations at the Port of New York and New Jersey, with multiple terminals including APM Terminals, Port Newark, and Maher Terminals are closed as of February 23 due to the significant snowfall. The port of Baltimore’s Seagirt Terminal is also closed.
While other ports such as Port of Philadelphia and Port of Norfolk may continue partial operations, landside operations are still slowing. Trucking capacity is tightening, rail connections are experiencing delays, and terminal access is being adjusted as safety protocols remain in place. Even where vessels are working normally, container pickups and returns are being disrupted by road closures and limited driver availability.
We expect delays on imports, exports, and inland transfers moving through the Northeast, along with potential backlogs once conditions clear.
Atlantic Canada
Separately, operations in Atlantic Canada are also being adjusted due to ongoing winter weather:
Fairview Cove Terminal Gate will close on February 23 at 12:00 p.m., with planned reopening the next day at 1:00 p.m., weather permitting.
Atlantic Hub Terminal Gate is operating on the afternoon of February 23 under regular schedule unless force majeure conditions necessitate suspension; night operations will be closed.
All cargo movements through Halifax terminals should be reviewed based on the gate closures and adjust appointment schedules accordingly.
We are monitoring official weather guidance and port authority announcements and will issue updates as conditions evolve.
Sources: Weather Network; The Watchers; The Guardian; Norfolk Southern; PSA Halifax