Port Congestion at Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach

According to the JOC, “container ships are backed up once again at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach waiting for days for a berth as gridlock descends on the largest port complex in the Americas”. Ships are having to anchor outside of the port complex because of congestion at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. There have been reports of an average of three ships anchored at any given time waiting for berth slots.

The port congestion at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach can be attributed to peak-season shipping volumes, chassis and driver shortages, and slowdowns by members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) whom are working without a contract. “The Port of Long Beach reported today that container traffic rose 7.3 percent year-over-year in September, the busiest September since 2007, the port’s peak year. Similarly, September container volume at Los Angeles was up 9.0 percent, the single busiest month at the port since August 2006.”

The Port of Long Beach has announced that it will give an extra three days to the free time for imported containers. According to the port’s website, “from Saturday, October 18 through Friday, October 31, the “free” time has been extended from four to seven business days.” Jon Slangerup, chief executive of the Port Long Beach said, “The terminal congestion is unfortunate, and a truly exceptional occurrence, so I am using my authority to waive demurrage fees through the end of the month.”

Source:

JOC: Container ships backed up for days off LA-LB

Cargo Business News: Port of Long Beach issues temporary October demurrage waiver