West Coast Congestion and Labor Update

Posted 01/15/2015

Following the Christmas and New Year's holidays, the congestion on the West Coast has continued to get worse through every facet of the supply chain. All West Coast ports are feeling the impact from Seattle/Tacoma down to Los Angeles/Long Beach. It is common for ships to remain at anchor for days waiting for their containers to be unloaded. However, unloaded containers often sit in closed areas for weeks on end due to the lack of chassis and qualified drivers to transport them to their final destinations.

Additionally, the ILWU and the PMA negotiations have intensified with each side placing blame on the other for instigating the current situation. Despite the mutual agreement to allow a mediator, there seems to be no resolution in sight for the negotiations.

We will continue to keep you informed of the situation on the West Coast and work with our contacts to mitigate congestion and delays as much as possible.