SoCal Ports Getting Real About Collaboration

It is indeed heartening to see how the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles are working together to ensure the West Coast remains the nation’s premier ocean cargo destination.

The Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice thinks so, too.

In a recent decision, it gave both ports the green light to implement its chassis-sharing scheme.

“The increased flexibility created by the interchangeability will enhance customer service, improve chassis productivity and respond to the desire of the Long Beach and Los Angeles ports authorities to achieve better overall utilization of the region’s chassis fleets,” said Justice spokesmen.

While it may be easy to dismiss this move as “damage control,” both ports were actively involved in facilitating a chassis solution for the past several months. Furthermore, they continue to work closely with all stakeholders to promote short-term and permanent solutions to eliminate the backlog of cargo stemming from overall cargo growth and shifting dynamics in the shipping industry.

LA/Long Beach is working with container terminals, shipping lines and the trucking community to provide additional space, sort cargo more efficiently, reduce wait times for truckers and improve real-time data throughout the port complex.

Finally, port officials are also working with their railroad partners to enhance rail efficiency. Bravo.

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