The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles announced a set of bold new measures this week in response to the overwhelming amount of cargo flowing through the ports. These new measures were developed after extensive consultation between multiple supply chain stakeholders and the U.S. Department of Transportation. To help meet shipping volumes moving through San Pedro Bay, these measures will facilitate the ports’ landside operations.
In particular, trucks will be able to pick up and return containers at both ports during expanded hours. Long Beach’s Executive Director, Mario Cordero, announced that long-term operations will be streamlined to maximize night-time hours to enable a 24/7 supply chain. Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, announced that the port would extend gate hours on weekends. As part of its ‘Accelerate Cargo LA’ program, the Port of Los Angeles will test gate availability and greater transparency to improve efficiency. Furthermore, both ports have called on terminal operators to encourage the use of all gate hours, especially night gates, in order to reduce congestion and maximize cargo throughput.
“We appreciate the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration in marshalling a response to the unprecedented global supply chain disruption so acutely felt here at the San Pedro Bay Port Complex,” said Port of Los Angeles Director Seroka. “These steps, in addition to what has previously been recommended, demonstrate that the Port of Los Angeles will continue to innovate in order to manage this historic cargo surge.”
“The Port of Long Beach is prepared to take bold and immediate action to help the supply chain move the record cargo volumes that keep our economy moving, and we appreciate the support and leadership shown by the Biden-Harris Administration,” said Director Cordero.
It is intended to work closely with the trucking community so that all truck operators are aware of the new gate hours that will be offered along with expanded opportunities to move cargo during non-peak times. The ports urge terminals and trucking communities to consider other measures to correct the problem, in addition to expanded hours and incentivized reservation priority.
“I thank Directors Cordero and Seroka for their leadership and all of the men and women who have helped meet the challenge of moving extraordinary cargo volumes during a global pandemic,” said John Porcari, the Ports Envoy to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Task Force on Supply Chain Disruptions. “I look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders to strengthen the resiliency of our transportation supply chain.”
More information can be found at:
Rachel Campbell
Port of Los Angeles
Tel.: (+1 310) 732-3498
Email: rcampbell@portla.org
Lee Peterson
Port of Long Beach
Tel.: (+1 562) 283-7715
Email: lee.peterson@polb.com
