The slowdown in International Longshore and Warehouse Union work at West Coast ports has created a congestion contagion that is spreading to the freight railroads, with uncertain consequences for the supply chain.
The West Coast ports, including Los Angeles and Long Beach, had seen an uptick in recent activity as labor talks progressed, taking back some volume from East Coast ports which had gained amid the labor tensions over the past year.
That port processes less railroad freight compared to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which have been open with only certain terminals targeted for shutdowns.
Brashier said there is concern that inland port intermodal (IPI) freight will be hit next.
"Without a concrete resolution in sight, a lack of reliable communication from either party and the ILWU actions, shippers should stay vigilant and close to the situation on the West Coast as the situation remains extremely fluid," he said.
Persons:
Paul Brashier, Brashier
Organizations:
ITS Logistics, Port, Rail, Los, Pacific Maritime Association, The Association of American Railroads, shutdowns
Locations:
West Coast, Los Angeles, Long, East Coast, U.S, Port, Oakland