The ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Long Beach are awaiting record numbers of cargo ships.
The vessels are currently in wait for more than 8 days, causing disruptions to US supply chains.
The import volumes at California ports will only increase over the next few weeks.
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Record-breaking cargo ships are awaiting entry to the ports of Los Angeles or Long Beach, California.
More than 60 ships are still waiting to unload and dock, which further contributes to delays and supply chain problems in the US. According to the Marine Exchange of Southern California, there are 146 ships total in Los Angeles and Long Beach. Out of the total 146 vessels, 92 containers are among them.
According to Kip Louttit (executive director of the Marine Exchange of Southern California), "The average number of container ships at an anchor is between zero-one." Insider was told by Louttit in July.
Insider reported that congestion at ports reached an all time high last month due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus virus pandemic. The US is experiencing an industry-wide shortage of workers due to changes in consumer purchasing habits, shortages of labor at the docks, limited warehouse space and trucking problems once goods have reached their destination.
According to the Port of Los Angeles, import volumes at California ports will only increase over the next few weeks. The current wait time at ports is 8.7 days. This will likely increase.
The West Coast ports are the main location for receiving goods from China. Containers bring in everything from furniture and auto parts to the West Coast. Insider also reported that prices have risen 500% between the two countries.
This year's holiday shopping will be affected by supply chain problems and could cause major disruptions. Experts recommend that shoppers shop ahead of Black Friday, shop locally and only purchase domestic goods.
