West Coast Ports Face Costly Congestion Amid Shipping Delays

West Coast Ports Face Costly Congestion Amid Shipping Delays

The Port of Seattle is experiencing significant congestion at its largest container terminal, Terminal 18, due to a surge in volume attributed to new shipping alliance operations. Truck turnaround times have increased dramatically from one hour to a full day. Truck drivers face high waiting fees. Port authorities, shipping companies, and government agencies are implementing measures to alleviate the congestion, such as extending operating hours and establishing waiting areas. Advance notification of arrival times is being considered as a crucial step in resolving the congestion issues.

02/12/2026 Logistics
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US Ports Adopt New System to Improve Service Quality

US Ports Adopt New System to Improve Service Quality

To more accurately measure the quality of port services in the United States, the 29th annual 'Quest for Quality Awards' utilizes an evaluation system encompassing five key dimensions: business ease, value, ocean/intermodal network, equipment, and operations. This framework aims to provide shippers with objective benchmarks and incentivize ports to improve their service levels.

01/20/2026 Port Encyclopedia
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LA Long Beach Ports See Throughput Drop Amid Challenges

LA Long Beach Ports See Throughput Drop Amid Challenges

Los Angeles and Long Beach ports experienced a significant drop in February throughput due to a combination of factors including a global trade slowdown, the Lunar New Year holiday, and inventory backlogs. Despite these challenges, there is potential for future growth as Chinese production recovers and port infrastructure improves. Key to this growth is resolving labor negotiations, expanding trade partnerships, and improving service quality to adapt to market changes and achieve sustainable development. The decline highlights ongoing supply chain vulnerabilities.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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US Ports Face Staffing Crunch As Trade Volumes Rise

US Ports Face Staffing Crunch As Trade Volumes Rise

The American Association of Port Authorities calls for increased customs staffing to address the contradiction between growing trade and personnel shortages. Existing recruitment challenges and resource misallocation exacerbate port operational pressures. It is recommended to increase the budget, optimize allocation, simplify recruitment processes, and consider hiring veterans to ensure trade security and efficiency. The current situation strains port operations, highlighting the urgent need for improved staffing levels to maintain smooth trade flows.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Qingdao Ports Searail Cuts Costs for Yellow River Businesses

Qingdao Ports Searail Cuts Costs for Yellow River Businesses

Qingdao Port has launched a new sea-rail intermodal transportation model, allowing companies in the Yellow River Basin to benefit from a streamlined process with "one declaration and one single document," eliminating cumbersome transfer procedures. This initiative cuts customs clearance time by half and reduces costs. As a major gateway for the Yellow River Basin, Qingdao Port is continuously enhancing its radiating and driving role, contributing to regional economic development. The new model aims to improve efficiency and reduce logistical burdens for businesses in the region.

02/12/2026 Logistics
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Zhejiang Ports Adopt Paperless Shipping to Boost Smart Logistics

Zhejiang Ports Adopt Paperless Shipping to Boost Smart Logistics

Paperless container transportation is now fully implemented in Zhejiang's coastal ports, with the launch of the Easy Port Tong Jiaxing online business hall as a key step. This platform integrates resources to provide unified logistics services, optimizing business processes and improving operational efficiency. It lays a solid foundation for the construction of Zhejiang Province's smart logistics system. The initiative streamlines operations, reduces paperwork, and enhances the overall efficiency of container handling and transportation within the region, contributing to a more sustainable and technologically advanced port environment.

02/12/2026 Logistics
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West Coast Ports Face Supply Chain Disruptions Amid Unrest

West Coast Ports Face Supply Chain Disruptions Amid Unrest

The aftermath of the “Occupy Wall Street” movement reverberates through US West Coast ports, particularly the Port of Oakland. A confluence of factors, including strike threats, fluctuating union stances, the port's economic importance, and squeezed shipper profit margins, creates a supply chain crisis. Businesses need to diversify port options, plan inventory in advance, enhance communication, optimize visibility, and conduct risk assessments to improve supply chain resilience. Balancing social responsibility with sustainable development is also crucial for navigating these challenges.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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West Coast Ports Hit by Teamster Gains Trucker Disputes

West Coast Ports Hit by Teamster Gains Trucker Disputes

West Coast ports are seeing a rise in labor union influence. Truck driver unions are pushing for changes in port freight through actions and legislation, sparking debate about independent driver rights, safety standards, and shipping costs. Shipping companies need to adapt to this new environment, and shippers may need to adjust their supply chain strategies. The increasing power of labor organizations is reshaping the landscape of port operations and potentially impacting the overall cost and efficiency of freight transportation.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Georgia South Carolina Ports Form Southern States Chassis Pool

Georgia South Carolina Ports Form Southern States Chassis Pool

The Georgia Ports Authority and the South Carolina Ports Authority have partnered to submit an agreement to the Federal Maritime Commission to establish the 'South Atlantic Chassis Pool 3.0' (SACP 3.0). This aims to address chassis aging, shortages, and market fragmentation in container shipping in the Southeastern United States. Operated by the North American Chassis Pool Cooperative (NACPC), the pool focuses on improving chassis quality, increasing scale, and providing a cost-based pricing model. The goal is to enhance container shipping efficiency and reduce logistics costs for shippers in the region.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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US Ports Overcome Labor Issues Retailers Optimistic for Holidays

US Ports Overcome Labor Issues Retailers Optimistic for Holidays

Despite brief strikes at US East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, US import volumes are projected to remain strong. Retailers' proactive stockpiling and flexible supply chain adjustments mitigated the impact of the strikes. The Port Tracker report indicates continued import growth and strong retailer confidence, anticipating sufficient supply for the holiday shopping season. A long-term agreement between labor and management is crucial to ensure supply chain stability. The ability of retailers to forecast and adapt to disruptions is a key factor in maintaining a steady flow of goods.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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