Baltimore bridge collapse and port closure send companies scrambling to reroute cargo

By DAVID McHUGH, ANNE D’INNOCENZIO, PAUL WISEMAN and TOM KRISHER
AP Business Writers

The stunning collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge is diverting shipping and trucking around one of the busiest ports on America’s East Coast. After the container ship Dali hit the bridge and brought it down early Tuesday, ship traffic entering and leaving the Port of Baltimore was suspended indefinitely. Analysts say that will force vessels or their cargo to be rerouted, potentially creating delays for importers and raising costs. Trucks that carry hazardous materials also will have to make 30 miles of detours around Baltimore because they are prohibited from using the city’s tunnels. The CEO of supply chain management company Flexport says the accident will have significant repercussions and Americans should expect shortages.