US Ports Prepare for New Wave of Freight Containers as Trade Deal Deadline Looms

A new wave of ocean freight from China is arriving at the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, aiming to beat potential tariff increases. The uptick in ship arrivals is expected to last one to two weeks, with no expectation of sustained high levels or congestion at the West Coast ports. The terminals are operating at 60% and 70% of capacity, respectively, and have been coordinating closely with partners to ensure readiness for increased cargo flow.

The Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach are experiencing a surge in ocean freight from China, aimed at capitalizing on the current tariff reduction and avoiding potential future increases. The influx of shipments is expected to last for one to two weeks, with no indication of sustained high levels or congestion at the West Coast ports. The terminals are operating at 60% and 70% of capacity, respectively, and have been coordinating closely with partners to ensure readiness for the increased cargo flow.

The surge in shipments has led to elevated demand for over-the-road trucking services, with persistent high volumes of inbound containers translating into robust demand for drayage and intermodal networks. However, the increased volume has also resulted in intensified congestion at port gates and drayage yards, leading to longer truck turn times and chassis shortages.

The driver availability and overtime hours have been impacted by the increased freight volume, placing additional pressure on the trucking industry. Despite the challenges, the increased inbound volume should, in theory, support trucking rates, especially for drayage and short-haul movements from the ports.

To mitigate delays and optimize asset utilization, trucking companies are engaging in proactive planning with shippers and port authorities. The week of June 22–28 marks a critical period of intensified activity and evolving challenges for the US trucking industry, with key developments including elevated freight demand, increased turn times, chassis shortages, driver availability issues, and rate pressures.

The Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach are scheduled to receive an estimated 55–60 vessels from China, with a projected inbound volume of 95,000–105,000 TEU. This volume signifies a near return to pre-2024 levels, stressing the drayage and intermodal networks. Oakland, Seattle/Tacoma, and other West Coast ports are also experiencing a steady increase in vessel arrivals, with the week of June 22–28 marking a consistent flow of traffic beyond the Southern California hubs.

Operational challenges for truckers include congestion at port gates, persistent chassis shortages, and extended gate hours. Pre-booking chassis and having flexible access strategies are crucial for truckers to manage these challenges effectively. The increased number of direct port calls minimizes transshipment, streamlining the ocean leg but concentrating delivery demand at fewer US ports.

The East Coast ports are also experiencing a significant surge in ocean freight from China, with New York/New Jersey, Savannah, Charleston, and Virginia ports anticipating 42–48 vessels from China. The estimated inbound volume for these ports is 78,000–85,000 TEU, with operational challenges including surge management, gate hours, congestion, and container dwell times.

The sustained high arrivals and departures from China indicate that the high import volumes will continue well into early July, ensuring sustained demand for US trucking services. The increased volume of bookings from China provides forward visibility for trucking companies, indicating continued robust demand for container movements.

In conclusion, the current surge in ocean freight from China is driving significant activity at the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, with operational challenges and opportunities for trucking companies. The sustained volume and increased demand for drayage and intermodal services present both challenges and opportunities for the US trucking industry.

References:
[1] https://1truck.us/inbound-vessels-from-china-arriving-at-us-ports-week-of-june-22-2025/