In its move to maximize capacity in the container stacks for diverted cargo, Virginia International Terminals (VIT) announced that it will only be accepting loaded containers into the terminals. This policy will take effect at the start of business on Monday, Nov. 5, and continue until further notice.

In a parallel effort, the terminal operating company this week began culling the stacks at APM Terminals in Portsmouth and Norfolk International Terminals of all additional empty containers.

On Monday (Nov. 5) and without exception, all 20- and 40-foot empty containers must be taken to the empty yards that are in Portsmouth and Norfolk; all specials will be accepted at the marine terminals. In addition, VIT is expanding the empty yard at Portsmouth Marine Terminal to accommodate the repositioning effort and handle the normal flow of empty containers

It should be understood that this move is temporary and has been made in response to the constantly-changing and dynamic situation that has come about on the US East Coast as a result of Hurricane Sandy.