Please note we are currently seeing congestion and delays at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. The port congestion, coupled with equipment shortages, is resulting in delays of 7 to 10 days or more for containers destined to move inland on rail.
The congestion can be attributed to multiple factors, including:
- Volumes due to ILWU-PMA Contract Negotiations: May & June have seen record volumes in LA/LB, and the sheer volumes shipped to arrive prior to the expiration of the ILWU-PMA contract (to avoid getting caught in any potential labor disruption) are causing equipment shortages and congestion delays. We were informed the contract will actually expire today, 7/1/14, at 5PM Pacific.
- Vacations: Many regular (Class A) ILWU members are taking their summer vacations and the replacement workers (Class B) ILWU longshoremen are not as experienced.
These delays will likely grow this week as the National July 4th holiday and the ILWU no work holiday of July 5th (Bloody Thursday) contribute to the current delays, culminating during week #28.
We will monitor the situation and update you as needed. For more information, please contact your local MIQ Logistics representative.