James T. McDermott, Jr., Executive Director of the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PRPA) announced that the PRPA Board of Directors recently renewed the authority's successful Intermodal Incentive Program and also improved the program in key areas. In particular, effective immediately, participating ocean carriers that utilize PRPA marine facilities and any of the class-one railroads in the port district for the movement of their containers will receive a $50.00 per container incentive, a substantial increase compared to the $25.00 per container incentive previously offered. 'We're one of the few ports in the country with service by three class-one railroads, and the Intermodal Incentive Program has been a valuable tool to encourage worldwide ocean carriers to sample our port and our excellent rail connections,' said Mr. McDermott. 'Now, with an enhanced incentive and other new benefits, carriers will be especially encouraged to see for themselves why Philadelphia is second to none when it comes to intermodal efficiency.'
Three class-one rail lines service the Port of Philadelphia: Norfolk Southern, CP Rail, and CSX. These rail carriers provide on-dock or near-dock service at all PRPA maritime facilities and continually improve their rail services in the port district. In addition to increasing the financial incentive from $25.00 to $50.00 per container, previous 'benchmark' guarantees on the part of participating carriers have been removed. Now, all containerized cargo loaded to or discharged from vessels calling at PRPA maritime facilities and utilizing a rail intermodal move is eligible for the incentive. 'In comparison to neighboring ports, Philadelphia has an abundant supply of rail access in close proximity to our marine terminals, said PRPA Director of Marketing Sean Mahoney. 'This program, which is now even more attractive than it was before, will help us highlight that fact.'
Those interested in learning more about PRPA's innovative Intermodal Incentive Program should contact PRPA's Marketing Department at (215) 426-2600. Mr. Mahoney and PRPA's Marketing Representatives are ready to discuss all aspects of this exciting program, including its scope, eligibility requirements, and structure.
The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PRPA) is an independent agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania charged with the management, maintenance, marketing, and promotion of publicly owned port facilities along the Delaware River in Philadelphia, as well as strategic planning in the port district. PRPA works with its terminal operators to modernize, expand, and improve its facilities, and to market those facilities to prospective port users. Port cargoes and the activities they generate are responsible for thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the Philadelphia area and throughout Pennsylvania. PRPA's Intermodal Incentive Program is funded by an appropriation from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
