A massive union strike in California a few years ago forced many BCOs to look for alternatives to reach the continental U.S. rather than via the West Coast.
In a way, some experts say, it was the perfect precursor to the expansion of the Panama Canal and the opportunity it now offers East Coast ports.
East Coast ports are undoubtedly taking advantage of changing tides with massive expansion and investment up and down the coast.
Here's a look at the largest ports on the U.S. East Coast and what they're doing to accommodate the growth in demand and opportunity.
1. Ports of New York and New Jersey
New York/New Jersey ports are estimated to account for more than one-third of North Atlantic trade.
In response to increased competition from other East Coast ports and to be able to handle larger ships from the newly expanded Panama Canal, the port has deepened its port to 50 feet.
It has completed the raising of the Bayonne Bridge connecting New Jersey and Staten Island, New York, and can now handle vessels up to 18,000TEU.
2. Port of Savannah
Its intermodal system is being improved to gain better access and increase its market share in the Midwest, making the port a more cost-effective and viable option.
When these projects are completed, port authorities estimate that U.S. businesses could save up to 40 percent in shipping costs through the port.
3. Port of Virginia
The project became the deepest port on the East Coast.
Investments in intermodal transport have also begun - particularly the expansion of port rail and motor transport.
4. Port of Charleston
Container traffic at the Port of Charleston has grown 8 percent annually since the recession ended in 2009. This is largely thanks to changes in trade flows in and out of Asia rather than Europe.
The port is also currently being deepened to accommodate 18,000TEU vessels - up from the 14,000TEU vessels currently capable of handling.
