Can Ships Increase Road Traffic?

International Shipping and Increased Car Traffic

Due in large part to an increasingly global economy, many international shipping companies are constructing massive "super freighters" in order to increase the amount of goods they can ship in a single outing.  While this sounds like a generally positive idea, there are many drawbacks when it comes to the logistical side of the equation.

Historically, international shipping traffic from Asia has been confined largely to ports located on the West Coast of the U.S. because the massive ships could not fit through the Panama Canal, but a scheduled expansion of the canal in 2014 will allow these ships to have access to ports along the East Coast, as well. However, many ports on the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico are simply not deep enough to accommodate them.

New Dredging Projects Scheduled

Ports along the eastern side of the country are scrambling to dredge their harbors in the coming years in advance of the first wave of these enormous ships. Several ports have completed projects that would allow them to receive the ships, including Boston and Norfolk, Virginia, but many other major ports, such as Savannah, Philadelphia, and Corpus Christi, still lack the necessary facilities needed to receive the massive freighters.

An Increase In Domestic Road Traffic?

 In theory, if the ships are diverted to ports much further away from the inland destinations of their cargos, this could lead to a fairly significant increase in domestic road traffic in the U.S. Because of the huge amount of cargo these ships are able to carry, more tractor trailers will be necessary to move the goods from the ports to their intended destinations. While this not only would lead to an increase in the number of trucks out on the road, it could also add to the actual cost of shipping the goods, when one takes into account the additional fuel expenses. So, the amount a consumer will pay in the coming months for their goods, whether it be their car, boat, furniture, clothes, or anything else manufactured overseas and transported via "super freighter", could potentially be influenced by the international shipping industry.

Changing Times
With the inevitable advent of these massive ships, many questions remain about the changes they may bring to the U.S. Until dredging construction is completed on many of the major East Coast and Gulf ports, the nation as a whole could see an increase in the amount of traffic on its major highways, and the ever-changing cost of fuel could directly affect the amount consumers in the U.S. pay for internationally shipped goods.

Hotels in Clarksville, Tennessee

Clarksville Highlights

Clarksville, Tennessee is a thriving, vibrant city located in the northwest area of the state near the Kentucky border, approximately 45 miles from Nashville. Known as "Tennessee's Top Spot", Clarksville offers numerous recreational and educational opportunities for families and business travelers alike. With its storied history, Clarksville is home to many museums and historical sites, as well as the Fort Campbell Army base, site of the 101st Airborne Division and the "Screaming Eagles" aerial demonstration team.

Clarksville played a key role during the Civil War due to its location on the Cumberland River, and served as a Confederate stronghold before its capture by Union forces, who would retain control of the city until the war's end. Three preserved Confederate camps remain in the area: Camp Boone, Camp Burnet, and Fort Defiance. Fort Defiance Park is open to the public and includes walking trails and a fort, as well as a 1,500 square foot Interpretive Center that features historical exhibits and information about Fort Defiance and the surrounding area during the Civil War.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy boating on the Cumberland River, rock climbing in the King's Bluff recreational area, and exploring Dunbar Cave. Families can picnic in Clarksville's many parks, dine in casual and gourmet restaurants in the downtown district, and view beautiful sunsets from the Cumberland RiverWalk. In nearby Adams, those seeking chills and thrills can tour the infamous Bell Witch Cave, said to be among the most haunted sites in America, and the subject of many legends and media portrayals, most notably in the 2005 film, "An American Haunting".

There are many lodging options for visitors to the city, as well. Budget hotels in Clarksville, Tennessee are popular with travelers watching their spending, and the city also features several higher-end hotels.


Budget Hotels

The Midtown Inn is a budget-friendly hotel overlooking the Cumberland River. The Inn features free Wi-Fi, a microwave and mini-refrigerator in every room, and access to laundry facilities.

Another low-cost option in the city is the Super 8 hotel in the Governor's Square Mall area. The hotel offers a complimentary "Super Start" breakfast, Wi-Fi, and whirlpools in select rooms.

Mid-Range Hotels

The Riverview Inn in downtown Clarksville is a great choice for business travelers, as it boasts an up- to-date business center, high-speed internet access, and private meeting and banquet rooms able to accommodate groups of up to five hundred.

Home Towne Suites is an option for visitors who plan to spend several days exploring the Clarksville area. Each suite is equipped with a full kitchen, and guests have access to a grocery ordering service provided by the hotel, as well as barbecue grills and outdoor seating areas.

High-End Hotels

Looking for a more upscale experience? Guests at the Hilton Garden Inn will enjoy a large indoor swimming pool, fine dining in the on-site restaurant, and exciting nightlife in the hotel's lounge area.

The Wingate hotel is located near the Austin Peay State University campus, and guests can work out in the fitness center, then relax in the indoor pool or in their in-suite Jacuzzi. The hotel also offers a hot breakfast and flat screen TVs in every room.

Clarksville Transportation

Although the Clarksville Transit System operates a network of buses throughout the city, the main means of transportation in the area is by car. Many areas can be reached by bus, including Fort Campbell and the downtown district, for a relatively inexpensive fare, and children under four ride for free. Commercial flights into Clarksville are served by Nashville International Airport, and the city is also home to a small airport, Outlaw Field, which handles approximately 40,000 corporate and private flights each year.