24/7 California ports

Both California ports have been working with the US Government in what President Joe Biden said is the first step toward moving the US freight transportation and logistical supply chain  to a 24/7 system.

On 13 October, Biden said: “Traditionally, our ports have only been open during the week — Monday through Friday — and they’re generally closed down at nights and on weekends. By staying open seven days a week, through the night and on the weekends, the Port of Los Angeles will open — over 60 extra hours a week it will be open.  In total, that will almost double the number of hours that the port is open for business from earlier this year.”

Catching up globally

Biden pointed out that 24/7 operations are already in place in most leading countries around the world, there will be an increase in the hours for workers to be moving cargo from ships to trucks and rail, and increasing night opening hours will mean more goods can be processed as roads are less busy during evenings.

He noted: “In fact, during off-peak hours in Los Angeles, cargo leaves the port at a 25 percent faster pace than during the day shift.”

The ports met with Biden, as well as the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), and large companies to coordinate 24/7 cargo movement.

Trade union onboard

The Port of Long Beach expanded operations at one of its terminals to overnight shifts in September.

As part of the coordination facilitated by the Biden administration, the ILWU has agreed to work extra shifts, clearing the way for private businesses to adjust their operations to move cargo 24/7 to clear the backlog. Cordero first introduced the idea of 24/7 operations during the State of the Port in January 2019.

Port of Long Beach, executive director, Mario Cordero, said: “Before this unprecedented cargo surge began, we believed 24/7 operations were the future. After all, consumers can shop online at any time, whether it’s at 4 p.m. or 4 a.m., and 24/7 is already the standard at our partner ports in Asia. The supply chain truly never stops now, and we’re thankful to the Biden administration for using its influence to ensure cargo is always moving.”

Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, said: “Operational details are being discussed and worked out with the supply chain stakeholders. The significance of (the) announcement is the commitment from industry leaders responsible for moving goods on behalf of American consumers and businesses to open up the capacity needed to deliver. It’s a call to action for others to follow.”

40% of shipping containers imported into the US come through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.