The peak season is underway, and the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are feeling the pressure. Increased congestion is resulting in container delays, terminal yard closures, longer wait times, and equipment shortages.

The chaos created by the sharp increase in volume early this summer, following months of unprecedented blank sailings, has left Asia overflowing with equipment and the U.S. without chassis. The combination of chassis shortages and overwhelming congestion is delaying carriers and minimizing their delivery capacities.

A recent update from the Port of Long Beach identified September as the busiest month on record and the third quarter as the most active in its 109-year history. These historic volumes are expected to continue through the end of the year as Asian imports keep rising, with September marking a 10% year-over-year increase in Asian imports to the U.S.

Given that congestion and equipment shortages are inevitable, GLC is utilizing all available resources to proactively prevent delays; however, we recommend that customers create a “peak season buffer” in their current supply chain to accommodate unforeseen disruptions.