The Port of Los Angeles will transition into a 24/7 operation in an effort to ease cargo congestion at the nation’s busiest seaport, it was announced Wednesday.
President Biden met with port Executive Director Gene Seroka about those challenges.
“Operational details are being discussed and worked out with the supply chain stakeholders,” Seroka said, adding that 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.”
In a statement, Pacific Merchant Shipping Association President John McLaurin said he and his members are encouraged by the Biden Administration’s move to relieve congestion in the supply chain.
“This federal leadership has the potential to expedite needed shipments of goods throughout the United States,” he said, adding that “we look forward to working with the Biden Administration to keep the supply chain moving.”
Every part of the supply chain is struggling under the cargo surge, with extended hours not being used because of trucker and equipment shortages and full warehouses, McLaurin said. “It is a system of systems all dependent upon each other.”
There’s a lot of work ahead, Seroka said.
“The Port of L.A. is called America’s Port because cargo we handle reaches every corner of the country,” he remarked. “In the days ahead, we are committed to continuing to be the convener to ensure the supply chain delivers for the American people.”
