U.S. Port Delays Return – How Should Global Supply Chains React?

Logistics Alert

Major West Coast ports—including Los Angeles and Oakland—have reported renewed congestion due to labor negotiations, equipment backlog, and rising container volumes. Average dwell time per container is now over 6.8 days, up from 4.3 days last month.

Impact on Inbound Operations

• Production Planning Disruption

Delayed container release affects raw material flow, impacting production cycles for U.S.-based assembly or packaging.

• Cash Flow Pressure from Freight Holding Costs

Storage fees and demurrage can significantly strain small to mid-sized exporters’ cash flow.

• Client Reputation Risk

Order delivery failures may impact brand image and trigger client penalties or renegotiation.

We suggest clients build minimum 2-week inventory buffers, establish relationships with bonded warehouses, and stay agile with dual-port routing strategies.