Jacksonville-based carrier Trailer Bridge and terminal operator Ports America have signed a 10-year agreement that will include stevedoring services and terminal technology for Trailer Bridge’s Jones Act barge service between Jacksonville and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Ports America will assume cargo-handling responsibilities at Trailer Bridge’s Blount Island terminal at Jaxport under the deal. The partnership also includes the installation of Ports America’s Dockworks terminal operating system, which is expected to enhance cargo tracking and improve supply-chain visibility for customers.
The long-term contract also includes two optional five-year extensions, potentially extending the partnership and its operating structure for a total of 20 years.
Under the partnership, Ports America will provide stevedoring labor and terminal expertise to Trailer Bridge’s Jacksonville operations. The deal gives one North American terminal operator experience in ro-ro, breakbulk and Jones Act trades control of all cargo-handling activities.
A key component of the deal is the installation of the Dockworks terminal operating system at the Jacksonville terminal. Customer-facing visibility tools are slated for deployment in 2027, giving shippers enhanced real-time information about trailer and container movements along the Jacksonville-San Juan trade lane.
The investment in terminal technology is expected to provide customers with improved visibility of their cargo and add to more efficient operations across the supply chain.
The agreement further cements Jacksonville’s place as one of the top mainland gateways for freight headed for Puerto Rico. The partnership combines long-term terminal operations and modern technology to provide a more stable operating framework for one of the major Jones Act customers on the route.
Trailer Bridge and Ports America said the use of a common terminal platform will reduce operational handoffs, improve equipment utilization and provide a more predictable service environment for shippers relying on the Jacksonville-San Juan corridor.
Jacksonville has also continued to build on its position in international container shipping networks. Zim and Mediterranean Shipping Co. made their maiden call at Jacksonville in July as part of the new ZCP-Amberjack container service, connecting major container gateways in Asia with increased access through connections to Latin America, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
Trailer Bridge utilizes an asset-light transportation model with a focus on domestic ocean services to Puerto Rico and international freight forwarding services and logistics for the U.S. government.
The new long-term stevedoring and technology agreement is designed to marry physical terminal handling with a modern terminal operating system to bring greater operational stability to one of the most active Jones Act trade routes.
Ports America, which operates container, ro-ro, vehicle, military and cruise terminals throughout North America said the partnership further expands its presence in Jones Act cargo handling while supporting efforts to improve reliability and transparency throughout the Puerto Rico trade.
