Toyota Announces Northeast Port Consolidation

Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc. announced on Monday their plans to close their import auto terminal at the Port of Baltimore, MD and to consolidate all of their Northeast and Mid-Atlantic port operations at their existing terminal at Port Newark, New Jersey. 

The Port of Wilmington had been considered as a possible alternative port location for Toyota’s consolidation, however inland transportation cost factors to Toyota’s main markets in New England and the New York City region ultimately led to Toyota’s decision to remain at Port Newark. 

In January 2001, Toyota invited competitive lease proposals from four Northeast ports – Baltimore, MD; Wilmington, DE; Philadelphia, PA; and Port Newark, NJ. Toyota has leased auto terminal and import vehicle processing facilities at both Baltimore and Newark, NJ for the past 15 years. 

Wilmington’s lease proposal was seriously considered by Toyota and cited as extremely competitive by Toyota’s port managers, but in the final analysis Toyota felt that their existing facility at Port Newark, NJ would best serve Toyota’s future import distribution and sales needs in the Northeast. Toyota’s largest markets for import vehicle sales are in New England and the New York – Northern NJ metropolitan area, and they determined that a relocation move to Delaware would have added $40 million to the company’s inland transportation and distribution costs over a 15-year period.

Despite the announcement, the Port of Wilmington is encouraged by Toyota’s favorable response to the Port’s proposal and plans to continue improvements and upgrades to its import/export auto facilities. These improvements will benefit the Port’s existing auto manufacturers, Volkswagen and General Motors, and also give the Port the ability to attract other new auto importers in the future.

Founded in 1923, the Port of Wilmington is an important asset for the local and regional economy, generating more than 5,800 jobs and contributing over $22 million in annual tax revenues to State and local government.  The Port is owned and operated by the Diamond State Port Corporation, a corporation of the State of Delaware.  For further information, digital photos, free tours of the Port and free speakers contact:  Vered Nohi-Becker, Marketing Services Manager at the Port of Wilmington @ (302) 472-7819, e-mail: vnbecker@port.state.de.us Home