Amid the post-covid recovery efforts by the U.S., pressures from the supply-chain crisis in the auto transport industry mount higher. There is increasing congestion of containers at L.A ports and Long Beach ports. Cars and shipments are being delayed at the ports for very long periods and they just keep stacking up.
This is due to the shortage of truckers and the peak season which contribute to the port congestions. The supply chain disruption has caused successive price hikes as the cost of shipping also takes a hit. The auto transport industry is also currently facing challenges keeping up with surging demand.
Containers at L.A Ports keep rising
Since the resumption of activities after the lockdown, the recovery of the auto transport industry keeps slogging. A key contributing factor is the L.A clogged ports that have left almost everyone bewildered. Experts believe that this backlog reflects a much deeper issue in America’s supply chain. However, the volumes of containers at the ports sitting idle continue to soar to record high.
This rising container clogs is no doubt a consequence of the home shopping binge that became prevalent during the lockdown. Unfilled orders, stacked and long-delayed containers, dormant cranes and higher shipping costs constitutes the new normal at the ports.
While the demand for containers at L.A Ports keeps rising, some affected claim that the reasons behind the jam transcend normal market forces. However, there have been some slight contentions and finger-pointing amidst truckers, terminals, foreign shippers and retailers on the actual cause of the backlogs. In addition, there is limited available workforce and truckers at the ports’ warehouses to decongest the cargo backlogs and facilitate a seamless outflow.
Log Jam of Container Volumes Becomes the “New Normal”
Since the ports of long beach and Los Angeles handle about one-third of U.S imports, we would normally expect a quick fix. However, analysts claims that there is no short-term solution to the ongoing backlog of cargo containers. This issue might even transcend the winter period. Even the budgeted $17 billion for upgrading U.S. ports may not be enough, reports CBS news.
The de-escalation of the congested ports may even be further away in time than anticipated. According to the Marine Exchange of Southern California, the number of inbound vessels queued to enter the ports has reached a record high of 80.
Mario Cordero, the executive director of the port of long beach says he expects some improvements before the end of the first quarter of 2022. He explained that the demand upsurge could help to ease the congestion of containers at L.A ports as consumers’ spending continues to rise.
In a bid to ease up the port, Cordero said they may start charging docks that have stayed for too long on the docks. He revealed that the threat alone has helped to improve the removal of cargo containers at L.A ports.
Metti International is here to Help
As the volume of containers at the ports increases, hiring Metti International to provide you reliable car carriers would be one of your best choices. Metti International is a licensed car shipping broker with the Federal Carrier Safety Administration. We render top-notch services that drive ultimate customer satisfaction.
Whether you are moving to a new city or buying a new/used car, we will help you ship your car. We always advise our customers to ship vehicles from one major metro area to another. This is because, carriers find it easier during pick-up and drop-off to ship customers’ cars from central locations than remote locations.
Call 866-620-1776 to schedule your auto transport with Metti International today. You will also get an instant quote. For more information on our services, visit our website at www.mettiintl.com/
