Port of New Orleans Issues National Call for Truck Drivers to Haul Cargo in and Out of City
Posted on: Monday, 21 November 2005, 03:02 CST
By Anonymous
The Port of New Orleans is putting out the call nationally to attract truckers to haul cargo in and out of New Orleans and to help rebuild the economy of the city, port officials said today. Under normal pre-Katrina conditions, the Port would have about 1,000 truck drivers hauling 1,500 truck loads on a busy day. After Katrina, about 150 drivers are estimated to be working in the Port of New Orleans and they are making about 450 truck hauls per day.
There was an estimated shortage of 20,000 truck drivers nationwide before Katrina, and the storm's impact on fuel prices has worsened the situation, port officials said.
Meanwhile, the local supply of truck drivers has been further diminished by the massive federal trash hauling efforts in New Orleans, they said.The people of the City of New Orleans and the surrounding areas are working tirelessly to rebuild their lives, their communities and this economy, said Gary LaGrange, executive director of the Port of New Orleans. Drivers who want to be a part of rebuilding of this great city and this region would be welcomed with open arms. Many trucking companies are putting together very competitive packages for qualified drivers.
Since Katrina, port cargo levels have experienced steady progress. Today, port operations at the world's third largest port have achieved nearly 45 percent of pre-storm levels, with 17 ships calling the Port last week.
Approximately 70 percent of cargo that comes into or out of the Port of New Orleans is handled by truck. Free housing is being offered to drivers by many transportation firms, and the Port can help drivers who haul Port cargo obtain housing aboard federal Maritime Administration ships docked along the Mississippi River, port officials said.Interested drivers are encouraged to contact the Louisiana Motor Transport Association at (225) 928-5682.
(Copyright 2005 Dolan Media Newswires)
Source: New Orleans CityBusiness
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