What is causing the container backlog at LA and Long Beach ports?

The backlog stems from a combination of factors: record September cargo volumes (1.04 million TEUs at LA, 997,177 TEUs at Long Beach), limited railcar availability for on-dock train service, and empty container repositioning issues. Class I railroads BNSF and Union Pacific serve the region, and reported equipment shortages are constraining their capacity to clear containers inland.

How long are containers waiting for rail service?

As of October 26, 10,562 of the 35,688 containers awaiting trains had been on terminals for at least nine days. Los Angeles had a higher concentration with 8,133 containers exceeding the nine-day threshold (41.4% of its rail inventory), compared to Long Beach's 2,429 containers (15.1% of its rail inventory).

How does this compare to truck-based container movement?

Truck-destined containers are moving relatively normally, experiencing average dwell of 3.18 days (up from 2.95 days in August). The congestion is concentrated specifically on the rail side of port operations, indicating a rail capacity constraint rather than a broader terminal throughput problem.

What is the impact on average container dwell times?

Average rail-container dwell across the port complex increased to 7.19 days in September from 6.75 days in August. The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association attributed this rise to the extended peak shipping season and heavy cargo flows, combined with railcar shortages that delay inland movement.

Could labor actions worsen the situation?

Yes. A potential November 1 strike by approximately 250 port watchmen from ILWU Local 26 could affect eight container terminals handling roughly 85% of Long Beach cargo and 33% of Los Angeles cargo, potentially exacerbating an already stressed rail clearance situation.

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35,000 Containers Stuck: Rail Shortage Clogs LA, Long Beach Ports

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The signal

The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are experiencing a significant backlog with approximately 35,700 import containers awaiting on-dock rail service as of October 26. The congestion reflects a combination of record-breaking cargo volumes (LA processed 1.04 million TEUs in September, Long Beach handled 997,177 TEUs) and constrained railcar availability that is slowing the movement of freight inland.

Critical challenge: 10,562 containers have waited nine or more days for rail pickup, with Los Angeles experiencing disproportionate delays affecting 41.4% of its rail-bound inventory compared to 15.1% at Long Beach. Container dwell times have increased measurably, with average rail-container dwell rising from 6.75 days to 7.19 days between August and September, signaling structural pressure on the intermodal network serving these critical gateways.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What This Means for Your Supply Chain

Simulation Suggestion

immediate

What if the November 1 port watchmen strike proceeds as planned?

Model a three-to-five day work stoppage affecting 85% of Long Beach terminal operations and 33% of LA operations. Simulate cascading effects on gate throughput, rail pickup scheduling, and inland freight movement during what is typically the busiest month of the year.

Run this scenario

Simulation Suggestion

this month

What if railcar availability decreases another 20% in Q4?

Simulate a 20% reduction in available railcars serving LA and Long Beach ports during the November-December peak season. Model the impact on container dwell times, inland inventory levels, and truck substitution rates for importers seeking alternative clearance methods.

Run this scenario

Simulation Suggestion

strategic

What if import volumes sustain at September peak levels through Q1 2024?

Simulate sustained monthly volumes of approximately 1 million TEUs at LA and 1 million TEUs at Long Beach through the first quarter. Model the consequences for terminal dwell, inland distribution network capacity, and warehouse utilization rates across the Southern California region.

Run this scenario

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