The average time that cargo lingers at the Los Angeles and Long Beach seaports before being moved out by train increased from September to October, according to data released Nov. 14 by the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association.
Rail-bound cargo dwell time in October was up to 9.86 days, a half-day longer than September’s average, a reflection of higher demand for intermodal cargo in the second half of 2024, according to PMSA.
While the average dwell time for rail-bound rose from September to October, PMSA pointed out that this uptick was the slowest monthly rate since June when the peak shipping season began.
“The continued upward trajectory in dwell times through October underscores both the complexity and adaptability of our supply chain as we manage increased cargo volumes and try to balance intermodal equipment availability with demand,” PMSA External Affairs Manager Natasha Villa explained.
“Our marine terminals continue to work diligently to balance capacity and maintain fluidity, providing supply chain system resilience, and ensuring that the nation’s goods keep moving,” she said.
Meanwhile, the average dwell times for truck-bound cargo remained steady, averaging 3.16 days at the ports last month, a dip from September’s average but higher than the 2.78-day average from October 2023, according to PMSA, which is an independent, not-for-profit trade association focused on global trade
