Virginia port embargoes empty container rail moves due to winter storm

The Port of Virginia on Sunday decided to temporarily embargo the movement of empty containers by rail to and from port terminals because of winter storm Leon's impacts on operations.

The order will ensure the fluid flow of customer cargo at state-controlled container terminals in Hampton Roads, port officials said in a press release.

The Norfolk port lost three days of rail productivity because of the storm and cargo volumes remain high, they said. Since the storm began on Jan. 28, the operations team has shown "great commitment and tenacity" in their efforts to return Norfolk International Terminals and APM Terminals Portsmouth to efficient operating conditions, port officials said. Due to warmer temperatures and rain, nearly all snow and ice has been cleared from the terminals.
 
The dispatch and/or receipt of empty ocean containers by rail will remain embargoed until further notice.

"Our railroad partners are advised of the embargo and we want to work with our valued customers to mitigate any adverse impact on [their] operating network," port officials said.

The port is served by CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern Railway, Bay Coast Railroad Inc. and Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Co.