What is the immediate threat to port operations at LA and Long Beach?

The Pacific Maritime Association and ILWU Local 26 extended contract negotiations through November 20, temporarily preventing a strike. However, if negotiations fail, a walkout by 250 maritime watchmen could trigger sympathy actions by Local 13 (longshore workers) and Local 63 (marine clerks), causing broader port disruptions. This comes as the ports already face elevated container dwell times.

How severe are current rail and trucking delays, and what is causing them?

Approximately 9,500 containers at LA and 5,063 at Long Beach have waited nine or more days for on-dock rail transportation. C.H. Robinson identified a shortage of intermodal railcars in Southern California as a key factor. Trucking capacity is also constrained by reduced driver availability, limiting how many containers each driver can move daily.

Will record cargo volumes continue into 2027?

Port Executive Director Gene Seroka expressed optimism based on full-capacity operations at Chinese factories and anticipated strong shipments through early 2027. However, vulnerability exists from potential changes in trade policy (Section 301 tariffs), U.S.-China negotiation outcomes, consumer spending sustainability concerns, and grid capacity constraints affecting AI infrastructure expansion.

What should importers do to prepare for potential disruptions?

According to ITS Logistics, shippers should prepare to add additional trucking capacity to navigate elevated congestion through Lunar New Year. Accelerating shipments before any labor action and diversifying transportation modes beyond rail can help mitigate risks from potential strikes and existing capacity constraints.

Why are exports declining while imports surge?

Loaded exports totaled 114,981 TEUs in October, down 7% from October 2025. Port officials cited continued headwinds for American farmers and manufacturers in overseas markets. This import-heavy imbalance has also driven record repositioning of empty containers (373,271 TEUs) to Asia to support return shipments.

Labor & Workforce

High Impact

LA Port Strike Threat Looms as Record October Cargo Breaks Records

Nov 13, 2026

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The signal

The Port of Los Angeles achieved record cargo volumes in October 2026, handling 1,026,872 TEUs and maintaining its position as North America's busiest container port. This performance comes as loaded imports surged 25% year-over-year, driven by consumer spending, inventory replenishment, and pre-Lunar New Year acceleration.

However, these achievements mask growing operational stress: rail and trucking capacity constraints have created severe dwell time challenges, with approximately 14,500 containers awaiting rail transportation for nine or more days across the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports combined. A potential strike by International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 26 (representing maritime watchmen) could cascade into broader labor action by dock workers and marine clerks, threatening to further delay containerized freight during peak season.

Supply chain professionals must prepare for potential service-level degradation and cost increases through early 2027, while balancing opportunities from anticipated strong AI infrastructure shipments and easing U.S.-China trade tensions.

How this affects:

Union Pacific Railroad

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Frequently Asked Questions

What This Means for Your Supply Chain

Simulation Suggestion

immediate

What if ILWU labor action occurs and extends 2-3 weeks?

Simulate the impact of a two-to-three week port labor disruption affecting Los Angeles and Long Beach, reducing throughput capacity by 40-60% during peak pre-Lunar New Year season. Model cascading effects on rail and trucking dwell times, inventory buildup at origin, and service level failures for import-dependent retailers and manufacturers.

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this month

What if intermodal rail capacity shortage persists through Q1 2027?

Model sustained intermodal railcar shortage in Southern California extending through first quarter 2027. Simulate alternative routing through truck-to-rail transfers inland, increased trucking miles, and potential shift toward full-truck-load (FTL) over less-than-container-load (LCL) arrangements. Calculate cost impact and lead time extensions for inland distribution.

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Simulation Suggestion

this month

What if U.S.-China tariff tensions reignite before Lunar New Year?

Simulate the impact of renewed tariff uncertainty or Section 301 tariff implementation in December 2026. Model demand surge as importers rush to beat tariffs, then potential demand cliff if tariffs take effect. Calculate inventory position volatility, expedited freight premiums, and potential port congestion spike followed by capacity underutilization.

Run this scenario

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