John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority said he was “cautiously optimistic” by the report.
“We are moving forward on many of our initiatives and thus far (in May) we are seeing progress on the rail operation at NIT (Norfolk International Terminals) as we have more than half of our new yard hustlers working and supporting that operation. In addition, we are the seeing the benefits of having a portion of PMT (Portsmouth Marine Terminal) operational with the Pasha/Chrysler vehicle exports. We were positive in every category of our monthly report, including an operating profit of $468,000.”
The port posted an operating profit in March and April following seven consecutive months of losses. Reinhart said the port’s focus on operational efficiency and productivity will continue and that there are many steps ahead that need to be taken to move to the port into a long-term, positive financial position.
“Our service performance is improving, but we have not attained the level required to satisfy our customers and be competitive. Through the work of the Motor Carrier Task Force, we are beginning to see some improvements in turn-times for motor carriers, but we have to become consistent in this area of operation.