U.S. supply chains face mounting pressures as customs inspections intensify, port congestion persists, and Amazon and Walmart fulfillment centers grapple with operational bottlenecks. Below are the latest updates on maritime logistics, urging stakeholders to adjust strategies promptly.
Port Fee Adjustments: Oakland Terminal Gate Fees to Increase
The Port of Oakland announced that effective July 1, 2025, gate fees at Z985 terminal will rise from $45 to $50, while WBA5 terminal fees will increase from $40 to $45. Shippers and logistics providers are advised to factor these changes into cost projections.
Customs Inspection Surge: Focus on Valuation and Compliance
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has escalated random inspections across major ports, with heightened scrutiny on declared value and importer credentials:
- Houston/Baltimore/Dallas/Detroit/Seattle/Norfolk/Savannah/Los Angeles: Rising inspection rates, emphasizing value accuracy and importer legitimacy.
- New York: Additional focus on CPS (child product safety) and FDA compliance.
- Miami: Checks for intellectual property violations, EPA/DOT regulations, and importer qualifications.
Average pickup times at other ports remain ~4 days, though exceptions include:
- Omaha/Seattle: Chassis shortages and terminal closures exacerbate delays.
- New York: ZIM vessel backlogs at PNCT; COSCO requires double moves for returns.
- Houston: Frequent off-site empty container returns.
- Chicago/Dallas: Severe chassis shortages, with railroads capping daily returns.
Amazon Warehouse Overload: Appointment Delays and Floor Load Restrictions
Capacity constraints at Amazon facilities persist, with notable challenges:
- No appointments accepted: FTW1, POC3, XLX7, IAH3, FTW5, MDW2, GEU2.
- 3-week appointment delays: MIT2, SWF2, ORF2, DEN8, SCK8, TEB9, AVP1, ILG1, IND9.
- Pallet-only warehouses: XLX1, XLX6, XLX7 (floor loads rejected).
- High rejection rates: LFT1 (60%), JVL1 (80%), MCO2/SNA4 (90%).
Unloading delays: CLT1 (24hr avg), FTW5/FTW1 (16hr), MEM1 (9hr).
Walmart Warehouse Logistics: Floor Load Requirements
Walmart mandates DROP (detached trailer) for floor loads, with extended unloading times:
- 5+ days: MCI1n, MCO1s, IND2n, PHL4n, DFW2n, MEM1s, ATL1.
- 7–8 days: LAX1/2, SMF1N, CVG1N.
PHL1 accepts only palletized live unloads; PHL4/5 advises deconsolidation before dispatch.
Port Congestion and Rail Delays
Port backups: Houston/Chicago (3 days), Indianapolis (5 days).
Rail transit: Canada (5 days to board), New York (3 days), Los Angeles (2 days).
Exporters are urged to monitor real-time updates, verify importer documentation, and prioritize palletized shipments where feasible to mitigate risks amid these multifaceted disruptions.