Search

West Coast Ports Expand Operations to Ease Container Shipping Woes

Posted on 10/26/2021 by Roger Marks

Earlier this year, cargo ships arriving to west coast ports were reportedly waiting six days on average to unload and dock. Since, congestion and wait times have only increased. 

Now, the White House has announced actions to address jammed-up ports in Los Angeles and Long Beach. Together with business, port, and union leaders, the White House announced a “series of public and private commitments to move more goods faster” through these critical ports. 

Among the changes: The port of Los Angeles will expand to 24/7 operation. Large retailers, freight companies, and the longshore and warehouse union (ILWU) have agreed to move more cargo at night. The White House released a Fact Sheet that includes a detailed list of initiatives being undertaken to address supply chain delays as the holiday season approaches.  
 
“Unlike leading ports around the world, US ports have failed to realize the full possibility offered by operation on nights and weekends.” 

White House Fact Sheet (October 13, 2021)
 

Long Beach Loosens Container Stacking Rules

In an October 22 press release, the City of Long Beach announced that they will relax zoning provisions that limit container stacking height in the City. The enforcement waiver will last for 90 days from October 22. 

"During this period, affected operations will be allowed to stack four (4) shipping containers without being cited for a Code violation." The normal stacking limit is two containers or eight feet in height. The limits were put in place years ago to "address the visual impact to surrounding areas of sites with excessive storage." 
 

What’s the Hold Up?

To say the least, moving goods from Point A to Point B has been a major challenge lately. Shippers of everything from cotton balls to corrosive chemicals are contending with overcrowded ports, shortages of raw materials and shipping containers, staffing uncertainty, and limited cargo space.

On top of these challenges, logistics professionals must keep themselves and their employees up to date on evolving health and safety practices and regulations.

Consumer spending on durable goods, especially via e-commerce, increased during a year of social distancing and imports to the US rose 40% year-over-year. At the same time, pandemic-related production shutdowns and transportation restrictions disrupted global supply chains.

Last Live Hazmat Shipper Webinars for 2021! 

Join Lion instructors for live training to ship hazardous materials by ground, air, and vessel in full compliance with the latest US and international regulations you must know.

Lion presents hazmat shipper webinars every month to help shippers satisfy US DOT, IATA/ICAO, and IMDG Code training mandates for "hazmat employees." 

Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT)  Nov. 9–10 Dec. 14–15
Hazmat Air Shipper Certification (IATA) Nov. 4 Dec. 2
Hazmat Vessel Shipper Certification (IMDG) Nov. 18 Dec. 17

Find self-paced, on-demand online courses at Lion.com/Hazmat

Tags: hazmat shipping, IMDG, logistics, long beach, los angeles, vessel shipping

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

This is the best RCRA training I've experienced! I will be visiting Lion training again.

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

The training was impressive. I am not a fan of online training but this was put together very well. I would recommend Lion to others.

Donnie James

Quality Manager

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Hazardous materials shipment rejections bear a big cost. Use this guide to end operational and logistical disruptions that severely impact your bottom line.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.