Trailer Bridge Supports Military Sealift Operations in Puerto Rico Under PORTS Contract

Trailer Bridge recently completed a military sealift operation in Puerto Rico under the U.S. Transportation Command's (USTRANSCOM) Port Operations and Related Transportation Services (PORTS) contract. For this project, Trailer Bridge provided port operations, cargo handling and vessel loading services at the Port of Ponce.

As part of the operation, the company established a temporary port operations site to support personnel on the ground. This included coordinating portable office units equipped with air conditioning, internet access, tables and chairs, along with latrines and handwashing stations.

Trailer Bridge’s onsite team received processed and tallied 174 pieces of military cargo, including containers, generators, vehicles, trailers and additional equipment. The cargo tally was utilized by military planners for both vessel load planning and final vessel cargo accountability.

During vessel loading, the team encountered a unique challenge involving two Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTTs) towing loaded removable gooseneck trailers carrying heavy construction equipment. Due to the steep angle of the vessel ramp, the trailers risked contacting the vessel deck during loading. Working collaboratively with on-site partners, the team implemented a solution that provided the necessary clearance and enabled the cargo to be safely loaded without impacting mission requirements.

"The successful execution of this operation demonstrates Trailer Bridge's ability to provide reliable port operations and transportation support wherever our military customers require it," said Chris Goss, Vice President of Government and Projects. "This project allowed us to lean into our expertise in the Puerto Rico trade, leveraging relationships on the island to deliver the operational excellence and flexibility the mission demanded."

Awarded in 2024, the PORTS contract enables Trailer Bridge to provide commercial port operations and transportation services at locations outside the continental United States and in U.S. territories. The contract supports USTRANSCOM's mission to provide global mobility capabilities for the U.S. military and its allies. Trailer Bridge is one of 29 global companies selected for the multi-award contract, which spans six geographic combatant command regions worldwide.

In addition to the PORTS contract with USTRANSCOM, Trailer Bridge also supports U.S. military logistics through several strategic programs, including:

• Worldwide Expeditionary Multiple Award Contract 2.0 (WEXMAC 2.0)
• All Ports Denmark Stevedoring and Terminal Services Contract
• Universal Services Contract-10 (USC-10)
• Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA)