Is there a port in Memphis, TN?

Are you asking if there is a Port in TN that is large enough to handle the ocean going car shipping vessels? I assume that this is a joke?

I would imagine that there may be a large lot somewhere that can store a few hundred cars, but a Port of that size would seem impossible to me.

 

This is a very sketchy outline, but hopefully it will help here.

In the past, maybe 30 yrs ago, trucking companies and even
railroads were experiencing major delays/conjestion in delivering
cargo to ocean terminals at port cities. Part of the problem,
especially for incoming cargo -- almost exclusively in containers with
the obvious exception of automobiles -- was "clearing customs."
That is having the cargo passed by U.S. Customs. And of course,
time is money!!

These three parties, trucking companies, railroads, and Customs
developed a system whereby containerized cargo could be cleared
by Customs at "inland ports." These can be quite large, say 300+
acres, including special impound and high security areas. Generally
containerized cargo coming from or destined to inland destinations
clears customs at the "ports," and are transported to/from the
ocean ports by special high speed, dedicated rail service --
including Prii and other imported cars moving inland.

There is still considerable trucking involvement;
distribution/collection at the inland port, and a surprising amount
of movement around the ocean port. And some precentage of the
containerized cargo is handled directly at the port for nearby
distribution areas -- think NY and LA.

Very general I know, but I hopes this helps.

 

Amarillo Globe-News: Texas News: Toyota, railroad discuss proposed Bexar plant 12/15/02

"

San Antonio could lose the plant if Toyota can't have access to more than one rail carrier. The automaker also is considering a site in West Memphis, Ark., which has access to Union Pacific and Burlington Northern rail lines."