Through seven months of fiscal year 2016, The Port of Virginia twenty-foot-unit (TEU) volumes have grown nearly 3 percent, with the strongest segment of growth being rail cargo, which is up 6.5 percent when compared with last fiscal year.

In January, the port handled 192,844 TEUs, growth of 0.4 percent or 848 units, when compared with January 2015. Truck volume was up 1.2 percent, and ship calls were up 1.8 percent.

“Though modest, our volumes in January were the best on record for that month,” said John F. Reinhart, chief executive officer and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority.

“We continue to track according to our forecast, and it is our expectation that volumes for the balance of the winter and into the spring will be relatively flat.

“We are using these slower periods to refine our operation without causing disruptions in service to our users, partners and stakeholders. We will work to continue to provide a high-level of service across all areas of the operation and implement strategic changes that will generate long-term benefits.”

The fiscal-year-to-date comparisons are showing positive growth in almost all categories.