The Port of Caddo-Bossier recently marked their accomplishments of 2018 at its annual Port Night held at the Regional Commerce Center.
Commodities fluctuated at The Port in 2018. Petroleum shipments increased at The Port. There was a 14 percent increase in barge shipments and an additional 42,000 tons brought in by rail. The Port saw a nearly 16 and a half percent increase in steel moving through the facility. Because of newly imposed tariffs, there has been increased business at U.S. steel mills.
“With increased domestic demand, we are seeing an increase for scrap steel,” said Executive Port Director Eric England. “We saw a 181 percent increase in scrap steel shipments last year. We shipped 32,000 tons more than 2017.”
Tenants at The Port continued to grow in 2018. Bentler Steel announced it would be increasing its workforce. Ternium Steel announced a $15 million expansion which would create 22 direct and in-direct jobs.
Also in 2018, The Port hosted Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson and Arkansas Congressman Bruce Westerman. The two men are looking at possibly expanding Red River dredging operations further north into Arkansas.
“The Port of Caddo Bossier continues to be an important economic driver for this region,” said England. “While we are always looking to grow, we must also remember we’re a neighbor to people living nearby, and we have to balance that when making future decisions.”