Title: Panama Canal expansion and Florida seaports: the role of seaport preparation and dry ports in post-expansion success

Authors: Michael J. Williams; Angela L. Cheatham; Dawna L. Rhoades

Addresses: David B. O'Maley College of Business Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida, 32114, USA ' David B. O'Maley College of Business Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida, 32114, USA ' David B. O'Maley College of Business Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida, 32114, USA

Abstract: Bigger and better is the way of the supply chain. Increases in consumer demand have played a significant role in the development of our transportation system and customer satisfaction. As demand increases, so does the need for larger vessels to carry the goods. Prior to the opening of the expanded Panama Canal in 2016, U.S. East Coast ports began their expansion to handle the new, larger container vessels. Florida was no exception. Various public-private interests also began to develop dry ports to provide hinterland support. This study examined the role of dry ports as a solution to the change in container traffic along the U.S.'s East Coast with a closer look at Florida's port system, the impact on the supply chain, and progress in the development of hinterland dry ports.

Keywords: Panama Canal expansion; Florida port system; dry (hinterland) ports; rail connections; port competitiveness.

DOI: 10.1504/WRITR.2024.140468

World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research, 2024 Vol.12 No.1, pp.64 - 81

Received: 25 Mar 2024
Accepted: 27 Apr 2024
Published online: 19 Aug 2024 *

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