Global logistics firm C.H. Robinson has a unique view when natural disasters or other disruptions affect critical shipping areas. It can tell in nearly real time how goods are moving or not moving and when shipping conditions improve.
Through the week the Eden Prairie-based company has made sure that its workers in the Houston area were safe and accounted and while making contingency plans to ensure their network could meet the needs of their customers and carriers.
Houston is a critical transportation area. The Port of Houston, was the number one ranked U.S. port in total foreign tonnage and the third ranked U.S. port in total foreign cargo value in 2016. It is the largest Gulf Coast container port and handled 68 percent of the Gulf Coast container traffic last year.
C.H. Robinson says the Port will be closed at least through Thursday and Houston's major airports also remained closed, as are rail operations and wide scale closures of Less-than-Truckload terminals.
C.H. Robinson has been keeping employees, customers and carriers updated on the conditions of the shipping routes on its Transportfolio blog.
Dan Ryan, vice president at C.H. Robinson, said via email this week. "Our C.H. Robinson network helps our customers and contract carriers navigate the situation. All of our employees in the region have checked in at this time; some have been required to evacuate but are safe with friends and relatives,"
The company is also offering financial support to employees, customers and suppliers in the area. Angie Freeman, chief human resources officer of C.H. Robinson said in a statement provided to the Star Tribune.
"C.H. Robinson Foundation will donate $25,000 and provide a special dollar-for-dollar match on all employee gifts made to the American Red Cross, Save the Children and Team Rubicon Harvey from now until September 30. Our thoughts continue to be with the people as they endure this situation."
