I-40 Bridge closure Memphis Tennessee USA

We continue to monitor the Hernando de Soto Bridge closure in Memphis and wanted to share the status we see in supply chains that depend on this over the road connection.

Background

11 May 2021 Inspectors discovered a major fracture in a support steel beam of the Hernando de Soto Bridge in Memphis, Tennessee spanning the Mississippi river. The Hernando de Soto Bridge is connected to the Interstate-40 highway, a key transportation route in the Memphis vicinity.

Supply Chain Impact

Alternative routes are available via additional Interstate Highway connections. These alternatives are longer than the standard trucking routing resulting in additional transit time and increase fuel usage. Due to this additional transportation time, the number of containers a driver can move in a day can be impacted. These delays can compound and result in containers dwelling at the Inland CYs past the container last free day.

Impact to Maersk operations

Presently cargo continue to flow with minimal additional delay through this Inland Gateway. In the event of market wide operational capacity constraints like, but not limited to, COVID driven labor constraints, Weather impacts and other congestion driving factors Maersk will have to pass on the cost of delays in line with the market. Such events will clearly be communicated by Maersk when occurring.

Transportation modes impacted

Truck Landside logistics for both Inland CY and Store Door (SD) moves for container cargo movements within the Memphis vicinity.

Your business is important to us and we pledge to keep you fully informed as more details become available.

Should you have any questions please contact your local Maersk professional. You will find contact details of our local offices on Maersk website.