San Pedro Bay Ports Container Dwell Times for September 2024

October 15, 2024

Contact: Natasha Villa, External Affairs Manager

nvilla@pmsaship.com

As cargo volumes at the San Pedro Bay ports continued their surge last month, September saw continued growth in demand for container equipment and space at marine terminals at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Truck and rail-destined container dwell times both reached their highest levels this year, reflecting the ongoing pressures on the logistics system as it copes with sustained demand.

Cargo moving through the San Pedro Bay Port Complex via truck spent an average of 3.21 days at port terminals in September, on par with the October 2023 peak season high. Rail-destined cargo dwell time rose to 9.25 days, surpassing the September 2023 peak season high of 6.54 days and reflecting the high demand of growth in intermodal cargo by nearly doubling the rail dwell from June of this year.

“In September, the evolving dwell times underscore both the complexity and adaptability of our supply chain as we manage increased cargo volumes,” said Natasha Villa, External Affairs Manager of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA). “The divergence in truck dwell times and rail dwell times highlights the trend in diversifying discretionary cargo across the entire logistics network, a consistent flow of local cargo, and a surge in inland-destined intermodal cargo through the nation’s premier import gateway. Our marine terminals continue to work diligently to balance capacity and maintain fluidity, providing supply chain system resilience, and ensuring that the nation’s goods keep moving.”

Dwell Time in Days % > 5 Days

About the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA)

PMSA is an independent, not-for-profit association which represents owners and operators of marine terminals, ocean carriers, and vessels operating on the US West Coast.  PMSA maintains offices in Oakland, Long Beach, and Seattle. 

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