Southern California Port Congestion

 

Hapag-Lloyd informs about the congestion at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach that has reached a critical point.

I. Several container ships are anchoring off the harbor and waiting in line to berth. Now Vessels are also being delayed due to ongoing congestion.

II. There continues to be an acute shortage of truck power. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) estimates that the industry has a shortage of approximately 30,000 drivers nationwide. Hapag-Lloyd continues to explore opportunities to contract additional vendor companies.

III. The success of the import delivery appointment system at some terminals has been limited in part by a lack of sufficient container handling equipment to pre-mount those containers prior to the scheduled pick-up appointment. Import customers and their motor carrier vendors are encouraged to confirm availability of their cargo by checking the terminal’s website prior to sending a truck to the terminal in order to avoid a denial of service when they arrive at the terminal gate.

IV. Chassis shortage is also exacerbated due to our services being fragmented over many terminals. A chassis relief team comprising of terminals, chassis vendors and PierPass has been established and is looking to set up a temporary asset sharing plan among the chassis providers with the next 30-90 days. A long term solution is expected in 2015.

Due to this congestion, berthing and/or cargo delays are expected on the below services:

CC1 (Central China 1)
CC2 (Central China 2) This service will be temporarily suspended.
Final sailing: OOCL Italy V048  Eastbound ETD Shanghai on October 31, 2014 / Westbound ETD Los Angeles on November 16, 2014
CC3 (Central China 3)
CC4 (Central China 4)
JPX (Japan Express)
MPS (Mediterranean Pacific)
PA1 (Pacific Atlantic 1)
PA2 (Pacific Atlantic 2)
SC1 (South China 1)
SC2 (South China 2)
SE1 (Southeast Asia 1)
SE2 (Southeast Asia 2)
SE3 (Southeast Asia 3)
WAN (US West Coast – Australasia Loop 2)
WAS (US West Coast – Australasia Loop 1)

Hapag-Lloyd will continue to pursue alternative measures to assist their customers and alleviate the burden felt from these congestion issues.