The container surge is putting some US ports under severe pressure. Charleston was among those US ports posting strong trading performances in December. A strong peak season, which has continued into the new year, has put immense pressure on several US ports’ container handling capacity, with the most severe problems being encountered in Los Angeles (LA) and Long Beach (LB).

Here, up to 39 ships have waited for berths at times this month, yards are operating at close to or above capacity, and gates are congested with queuing trucks.

Containerised imports into the US have surged since the summer, with the boom in e-commerce trading and exceptionally strong demand for consumer products, particularly furniture, electrical goods, entertainment systems and tools for the house and garden, largely responsible.

In addition, the need to import vast amounts of PPE, medicinal products and sanitisers to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic has continued. Further pressure has come about from the need of many companies in the US to restock inventories that had run low following the suspension of several liner services and blanked sailings between March and July.

There is also evidence to suggest that retailers have ordered their spring/early summer merchandise earlier to take advantage of the consumer ‘spending binge’ currently taking place.