West Coast Ports Announces to Clear Container Backlog

As the winter holiday rush approaches, the auto transport industry dreads the impact container backlogs may have on the market. Since the supply disruptions caused by the COVID-19, the industry is yet to regain its feet fully.  As with other industries in the market, the lockdown caused price hikes in automobiles. Nevertheless, the American market has experienced a surge in demand for vehicles. With current congestion at the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, meeting the surge in consumer demand proves challenging.

However, a drawback to meeting consumer demand is the shortage of truck drivers truck drivers responsible for moving the goods and automobiles from the ports to the consumers. The Chief Economist of the American Trucking Association, Bob Costello, has announced that the trucking industry lacks about 80,000 truck drivers and that if nothing is done, the figures may increase to 160,000 by 2030. Over time, the shortage has caused overstocking in Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, slowing down the supply of vehicles to customers. Although other factors contribute to price hike in automobiles, the supply chain disruption has not helped matters too.

On the 13th of October, in an attempt to relieve the strain on the automobile supply chain, President Joe Biden announced that the Port of Angeles will now be open 24/7, with the hope that the extension in working hours will double the amount of cargo shipped out of the port per day.

Measures to Clear the Container Backlog in the Automobile Industry

The city of Long Beach tried to address a different part of the puzzle by issuing a temporary, 90-day waiver of its rule. So, the containers are to be stacked only two units high during storage. This plan could help workers to move more containers off the ships floating offshore.

Additionally, the twin ports said they would increase the pressure on companies to move their inventory off the dock. They will embark on assessing a surcharge to ocean carriers for import containers that dwell too long on marine terminals. Consequently, the ports will now charge carriers a daily fee for every truck-bound container dwelling nine days or more. It will also apply to every rail-bound container that has dwelled for three days or more.

Thirdly, the Port of Long Beach announced a separate plan to move many of those lingering containers off the docks. It will be achieved by shifting them to Utah through a deal with the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) and Union Pacific Railroad. This would be the fourth attempt to clear the container backlog in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

These new implementation and actions have been carried out to improve the automobile supply chain and clear container backlog at the ports. Moreso, there are plans for recruiting more truckers to bring rapid relief from existing port congestion by optimizing rail deliveries between the two states.

Our Role at Metti International

To alleviate the bottlenecks in the automobile industry, all hands are on deck at Metti International to refine shipping operations. Metti International will work hand in hand with the government by sticking to the implementations. With our extensive auto carrier network we provide a smooth transport experience. Despite the congestion at the ports, we work at our best to meet our customer’s demands.

As a reputable and trustworthy car shipping company, we have acquired a stellar A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We are a licensed car shipping broker with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Customer service is our priority so, we provide safe and timely arrival of your car shipment. Metti International is the top choice for your vehicle shipping needs.

Call us today on 866-620-1776 to schedule your auto transport, and you will get an instant quote. You can also visit our website at www.mettiintl.com/

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most major credit cards, postal money orders and cashiers checks are acceptable forms of payment.

As with most transport services, a deposit is generally required when placing an order. Deposits range from 10-25 % of the total shipping cost. The remaining balance will be due upon delivery.

Most auto transport companies accept cash, certified checks, and postal money orders.

Coast to coast trips usually takes between 10-14 days. Shorter trips ranges from 3-7 days, depending on the actual distance. Some factors may delay a trip, including traffic, weather, and truck breakdowns.

Yes, we request you, or a designated person, be present upon pick up of your vehicle. For your safety and your vehicle’s safety, an inspection is performed and a bill of lading must be signed that serves as proof of delivery.

The easiest way to ship an inoperable vehicle is to let us know when requesting a vehicle transport quote. There will be an additional charge, plus loading and unloading charges to your quote, if we are not informed of the vehicle’s condition prior to quoting.

Auto carriers are not licensed to carry house goods or personal items, these goods and items are not covered by the carriers insurance. Any damage to your vehicle due to household goods shifting or breaking is also not covered. Personal belongings left in the vehicle, are shipped strictly at the owners risk. Carriers will not inventory any belongings left in the vehicle and will assume no responsibility.

Your car is insured for the Blue Book value the entire time it is on the truck. Clearly listed on your Shipping Order, Agreement and Bill of Lading are occurrences not covered. At the time of pick up, a condition report is filled out and signed by both the person turning the car over and the truck driver and you are given a copy.

Upon delivery of your vehicle, this same report is presented. You should compare the condition of the vehicle to the report thoroughly at that time. If you feel damage has occurred to your vehicle during delivery, you must note it on the report before you sign it and the driver leaves. Damage done in transit does not relieve the shipper of paying for transport service performed. Claims will be handled by the vehicle carrier and insurance companies.

Metti International offers door-to-door auto transport service where possible. However, there are instances that we cannot collect/deliver directly to the door due to the size of our auto carrier’s trucks. The size of your street may prohibit direct delivery to your door. Also, some towns and cities do not allow trucks on their residential streets. If the carrier cannot get to your door, he will deliver your vehicle to the next most convenient accessible location, such as the nearest major crossing street, a shopping mall or supermarket.

Please have a no more than 1/4 tank of fuel, remove all personal items from your vehicle and have it washed and cleaned so that the ensuing inspection is easily performed. If it is a convertible, T-top, sunroof, etc. make sure all openings are closed and prepared for changing weather. You can find additional tips on how to prepare your car for transport here.