How container drayage works in Baltimore
Baltimore's containers are handled mainly at Seagirt Marine Terminal, run by Ports America Chesapeake, with CSX rail next door. Since the Key Bridge collapsed in March 2024, trucks reroute through the harbor tunnels or around the Beltway.
- Terminal
- Seagirt Marine Terminal; Dundalk for autos and ro/ro
- Rail
- CSX Seagirt ICTF and Norfolk Southern Bayview
- Coming
- Howard Street Tunnel cleared for double-stack trains
- Watch for
- Hazmat and route limits through the tunnels
More about drayage in Baltimore
Containers at the Port of Baltimore are handled mainly at Seagirt Marine Terminal, operated by Ports America Chesapeake under a long-term agreement with the Maryland Port Administration. Seagirt has deep berths and large cranes capable of serving big container ships. Nearby Dundalk Marine Terminal handles autos, ro/ro and breakbulk cargo, and some containers.
Rail links include CSX's intermodal container transfer facility next to Seagirt and Norfolk Southern's Bayview yard. CSX's long-running project to clear the Howard Street Tunnel downtown for double-stack trains is designed to let Baltimore send stacked containers by rail to the Midwest.
In March 2024, a container ship struck and collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge, closing the Fort McHenry Channel for weeks and cutting the I-695 crossing. The channel reopened in mid-2024, and Seagirt is above the bridge site, but the missing bridge continues to reroute trucks through the Fort McHenry and Harbor tunnels or around the Beltway.
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Marine terminals
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Rail ramps
Railroads
CSX · Norfolk Southern · Canton Railroad
Main highways
I-95 · I-695 · I-895 · I-70 · I-83 · I-97 · MD-295
Container terminals and rail ramps in Baltimore
Where containers are picked up and returned in the Baltimore area.
Marine terminal
Rail ramp
Seagirt Marine Terminal
Marine terminal · Ports America Chesapeake
Baltimore's main container terminal, with deep berths and large cranes, operated under agreement with the Maryland Port Administration.
Dundalk Marine Terminal
Marine terminal · Maryland Port Administration
Terminal handling autos, ro/ro, breakbulk and some containers.
Seagirt ICTF
Rail ramp · CSX
CSX intermodal container transfer facility next to Seagirt Marine Terminal.
Bayview Intermodal Yard
Rail ramp · Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern intermodal yard in East Baltimore.
Warehouses and the I-95 corridor
Baltimore's port is close to a large warehouse market along I-95 and I-695 in Baltimore County, Howard County and Harford County. Distribution centers in places such as Perryville, Aberdeen, Edgewood and Elkridge serve the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
Tradepoint Atlantic, a redevelopment of the former Bethlehem Steel site at Sparrows Point, has become a major logistics park with marine, rail and warehouse facilities, and it is home to large fulfillment centers. Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia are within about 40 to 60 miles of the port, making Baltimore a key gateway for the capital region.
Autos, ro/ro and project cargo
Baltimore leads US ports in handling cars, light trucks and heavy equipment. While autos move on car carriers, the auto and ro/ro business keeps Dundalk and other terminals busy and influences truck traffic around the port.
Farm and construction equipment, as well as project cargo, often move through Baltimore. Oversized loads may need permits and escorts, and carriers with specialized equipment are in demand. Containers carrying machinery, steel and other heavy goods may need tri-axle chassis and overweight permits from Maryland.
Tunnels, hazmat and bridge rerouting
With the Key Bridge gone, trucks that once crossed the Patapsco River on I-695 must use the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) or the Harbor Tunnel (I-895), or go around the western Beltway. Hazardous materials are prohibited in both tunnels, so hazmat loads face longer detours.
The rerouting has added time to some moves, especially between the port and Sparrows Point or the eastern side of the harbor. Carriers factor detours into pricing and scheduling. Maryland is rebuilding the bridge, but until it opens, shippers should plan for longer routes on certain lanes.
Rebuilding after the Key Bridge collapse
When the Francis Scott Key Bridge fell in March 2024, the port's main shipping channel was blocked for weeks, and container services diverted to other ports. Federal, state and military crews cleared the wreckage, and the Fort McHenry Channel reopened fully in mid-2024, allowing ships to return to Seagirt.
The bigger long-term issue for drayage is the missing highway link. The bridge carried I-695 across the Patapsco River, and its loss forces trucks to use the harbor tunnels or drive around the western Beltway. Hazmat loads, banned from the tunnels, face the longest detours.
Maryland is rebuilding the bridge, and until it reopens, carriers and shippers plan routes and delivery windows around the extra time, especially for moves between the port and Sparrows Point or the eastern side of the harbor.
Common lanes out of Baltimore
Approximate one-way highway miles for the runs local carriers quote most often.
Sparrows Point (Tradepoint Atlantic)
Logistics park; longer routes since the Key Bridge collapse.
10 mi
Harford County (Aberdeen / Perryville)
I-95 distribution centers.
35 mi
Washington, D.C.
Capital region via MD-295 or I-95.
40 mi
Northern Virginia
Data centers, retail and government freight.
60 mi
Harrisburg, PA
Central Pennsylvania warehouses via I-83.
80 mi
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania and New Jersey via I-95.
100 mi
Booking drayage in Baltimore: what to know
Local habits that change the price and timing of a move in Baltimore. Mention them when you ask for a quote.
Plan for Key Bridge detours
Until the bridge is rebuilt, some moves need longer routes. Ask carriers how detours affect timing and cost.
Watch hazmat tunnel bans
Hazmat loads can't use the Fort McHenry or Harbor tunnels. Flag hazardous cargo when requesting quotes.
Use rail for the Midwest
CSX and Norfolk Southern offer rail service from Baltimore. Ask about double-stack options as tunnel work progresses.
Check oversize permits
Machinery and project cargo may need Maryland permits and escorts. Share dimensions early.
Drayage markets near Baltimore
Many carriers that serve Baltimore also run these nearby ports and rail ramps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about container drayage in Baltimore, MD.