BLANK SAILINGS IN THE U.S. WEST COAST
About 40% of all container cargo entering the United States is on Los Angeles and Long Beach ports.
Recently, Port of Los Angeles, the nation’s busiest container port, has been impacted by an increase in empty containers. By contrast, its twin port surpassed with cargo volumes less than 1,000 TEUs off its monthly record.
Shippers have come to rely on East Coast ports more due to concerns about labor issues on the West Coast at ports including LA and Long Beach. Blank sailing results in fewer vessels and equipment on the market to meet demand. 87,000 empty containers are lingering at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports.
With port delays increasing, logistics companies are keeping an eye on air as an alternative to ensure deliveries.