Running on empty.

Running on empty.

Or not running, that is. Empty containers are causing yet another backlog in ports, taking up space that could otherwise be used to unload imports. And ocean carriers don’t always have incentive to take them back to Asia.

As of last week,?the Port of Los Angeles had more than 65,000 empty containers just… sitting there.?This leads to additional delays across supply chains—and the challenge doesn’t stop there.

It’s not uncommon for shippers to face extra fees for returning empty containers after the last free due date, even if the carrier won’t accept the container back because of other appointments or space limitations.

What this means for shippers:?

Be ready for potential extra charges if you’re using a container in the coming months—or be ready with a plan B to transload goods to a truck once they make it to U.S. soil.