JAXPORT set to begin construction on automobile terminal

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The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) recently announced that it will soon begin construction of an automobile processing facility at JAXPORT’s Dames Point Marine Terminal.

The multi-year project is forecasted to increase the port’s vehicle-handling capacity 25 percent.

Last fiscal year, JAXPORT moved a record 693,000 units, an increase of 9 percent from the previous fiscal year. The port is the nation’s second largest vehicle-handling port by volume.

Three auto processors – AMPORTS, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, and Southeast Toyota Distributors – are located at the port. The growth of all three has increased demand at the port, and the processors have asked the port authority for more land.

Last month, JAXPORT CEO Eric Green told the board of directors that the processors’ requests have been overwhelming.

The growing auto consumer market also has increased demand.

“The steady growth of our auto business speaks volumes about our efficiencies,” Roy Schleicher, JAXPORT executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said. “We are committed to supporting our auto partners with the tools they require to continue to expand their businesses in Jacksonville.”

Once the project is complete, vessels will have direct waterside access for loading and unloading, and more than 100 acres of processing and storage space will have been added.