Container dwell times at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach increased in September after record cargo volumes overwhelmed rail and truck transport networks. The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association found that trucks spent an average of 3.18 days at terminals, up from 2.95 days in August, while rail dwell times extended to 7.19 days, continuing a pattern of persistent delays.
The two ports handled 1.04 million TEUs in September, marking the busiest month in the Port of Los Angeles’ history, and the Port of Long Beach processed 997,177 TEUs, its highest monthly total in 115 years. Natasha Villa, senior manager of public affairs at the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, emphasized that rail dwell times remained the most serious constraint, driven by ongoing peak-season demand.
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Industry analysts point to several causes for the congestion: a prolonged peak season, Panama Canal restrictions, rising diesel prices, and concerns over the expiration of a U.S.-China trade agreement. Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, highlighted during an October briefing that these factors could sustain raised cargo volumes beyond usual seasonal trends. Observers are now tracking upcoming deadlines that could alter shipping patterns in the next few months.
The holiday shopping rush has largely passed, with most merchandise already delivered. According to the National Retail Federation’s Global Port Tracker, remaining cargo will likely focus on final inventory restocking and preparations for early 2027. Jonathan Gold, vice president of supply chain policy at the NRF, noted that despite adjustments in data, the year’s busiest shipping period has likely concluded.
