The ports of Houston, Galveston and Corpus Christi are reopened with channel restrictions including one-way vessel movements, daylight-only transits and draft restrictions of 43 feet.More than 20 vessels are waiting for berth assignments at this point.The Port of Houston reports that there was so far no evidence of flooding on terminals and no visible damage to containers, cranes or other equipment. Power to refrigerated containers was still operational, port officials said. The BNSF rail yards at Silsbee, Galveston and Beaumont remain closed due to flooding, but the rail line’s South Yard, Dayton Yard and Casey Yard have reopened with limited operations, while the Houston (Pearland) Intermodal Facility and Automotive Facility is accessible through an automated gate system (AGS) and train loading and unloading operations have resumed. The rail carrier continues to re-route or divert as much traffic as possible around the area until flood waters recede and storm damaged lines can be repaired. Routes are open into central Texas and traffic is moving through San Antonio, including trains destined for Mexico through our Eagle Pass gateway.Several LTL carriers report complications that are interrupting service in Houston, Dallas, Little Rock, and San Antonio, some other trucking terminals in Houston and Beaumont, Texas, remain closed until further notice. Not all highways were clear of flooding and debris so while truck gates at the major ports would be functional beginning at 7 a.m. Friday, some lanes would be closed.“While urban search and rescue remains our top priority, we understand the importance of reopening ports and waterways, which are vital to the flow of goods and services throughout our nation,” U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Kevin D. Oditt said in an emailed statement to the Wall Street Journal.
Houston Container Terminals To Reopen TodaySeptember 1, 2017The Port of Houston reports that both container terminals will reopen on Friday, 9/1/17. Draft restrictions in the Houston Channel are still in place as per our previous update.Union Pacific railroad has advised that both of its Houston Ramps are open for outbound traffic only. They plan to resume full operation on 9/5/17.
Partial Port Openings in the Aftermath of HenryAugust 31, 2017Smaller ships with drafts up to 37 feet will be allowed to move on the Houston Ship Channel today, and ships with draft up to 33’ were allowed at the ports of Texas City, Galveston and Freeport.Port Arthur and Beaumont remain closed.The Port of Corpus Christi’s inner channel has been reopened to vessel with drafts up to 20’, the Port of Lake Charles, LA, re-opened today.Container terminals at Port Houston are still closed and not expected to reopen before Labor Day at this point.
Port of Houston Remains Out-of-OperationAugust 30, 2017All ship and terminal operations at the Port of Houston have been stopped and no ship activity along the Houston Ship Channel is expected until later in the week.Ports and airports in flooded areas in Texas remain closed at least until the end of the week.Union Pacific has announced an embargo on all rail traffic into and out of Houston for the next few days.There is also a shortage of truck drivers expected over the next few weeks.Please contact your V. Alexander Team with questions on specific shipments.

Ports Still Closed Due to Hurricane HarveyAugust 29, 2017Ports in Texas remain closed until further notice.Rail and truck services are severely impacted by the flooding resulting from the hurricane.Please contact your V. Alexander Team for details on specific shipments.
Hurricane Harvey UpdateAugust 28, 2017Ports in Texas remain closed until further notice due to the severe weather conditions.Flooding prevents truck and rail service to and from the ports at this time.Please contact your V. Alexander Team for details on specific shipments.
Hurricane HarveyAugust 25, 2017In preparation of Hurricane Harvey’s landfall, expected for later today, the Ports of Houston, Corpus Christi and Galveston have closed until further notice.Harvey is expected to make landfall near Corpus Christi as a category 3 hurricane with winds of at least 111 miles per hour.Cargo delays need to be expected, please contact your V. Alexander Team with questions about specific shipments.Further updates are expected to be available on Monday.