Congestion on the West Coast Ports Affects Exporters

Economists are projecting strong U.S. imports during the summer-fall peak season. The ports took a big hit in the first two months of the year as cargo was diverted to the East Coast and Canada. Alphaliner reported that trans-Pacific carriers this summer will introduce six new all-water services from Asia to the East Coast.West Coast ports face the same supply chain challenges that all U.S. ports must contend with.Exporters in the heartland experience a shortage of containers, chassis, intermodal rail equipment and truck capacity. Some ocean carriers limit their export bookings because of capacity issues, or they “roll” export shipments to subsequent voyages.

 

 USA map.{Photo Source: Depositphotos.com/moustyk}
Read the entire article: Journal of Commerce