BTW I worked 3 years in Norfolk as an export service manager and import traffic for a major steamship line so I know what I am talking about regarding where the cargo is going. Not just spewing drivel.
I've always felt Norfolk was a viable alternative to more congested ports further north. Getting the traffic off I-64 would help a great deal.
After the west coast longshoreman's strike back in 2002, I instructed our exporters to stop using the Los Angeles area ports and we switched mostly to the Seattle area. But when we use the east coast ports of entry, they are somehow still obsessed with using New York almost exclusively. Since we are talking about a day or two rather than a week or more extra on the east coast ports, I'm having a harder time making headway with getting Norfolk considered.
I'd like to know which steamship line you worked for. Freepmail me if you don't want to post.