The American Association of Port Authorities today sent a strong message to Congressional Senate, House and Committee leaders, urging them to "take swift action" to avert a rail strike on Dec. 6, which would lead to a discontinuation of freight rail service, potentially costing American businesses and consumers $2 billion a day.
"Railroads are a vital component of the freight transportation system and are critical to international trade and goods movement to and from our nation’s seaports," wrote AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle. "Approximately $3.8 billion in cargo is moved through America's seaports daily. As significant portion of this cargo relies on the freight rail system to reach its destination. "Mr. Nagle added that since railroads are crucial to the efficient movement of the approximately 2 billion tons of exports and imports that move through the nation's ports annually, any disruption would also impact many of the 13.3 million American jobs that are supported by U.S. seaport activities.