Baltimore bridge collapse brings up potential supply chain issues locally [Video]

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — The catastrophe in Baltimore has also brought one of the more important trade hubs in the country to a standstill.

“That could take years to get it back up and operating again,” said Robert Handfield, professor of supply chain management at NC State University. “It’s the nation’s largest volume of automobiles as well as things like coal, and other bulk commodities. Total trade last year was $80 billion.”

Handfield said it’s not just a hit for the automobile industry but also the farming community

Combines, tractors, and hay balers come in through Baltimore.

“It’s really devastating because of all the traffic that goes in out and out of the port will be shut down for an extended period of time,” Handfield said.

ALSO SEE: Raleigh woman’s father traveled over Baltimore bridge hours before collapse

He said he believes car carriers could shift to ports like Savannah, Georgia. Some could even shift to a port …