Port Congestion Needs A Comprehensive Solution
October 22, 2021
by Maria S. Salinas
Logistics, transportation and goods movement, as well as global trade are industry sectors of immense importance to the Los Angeles region but also impacts economies throughout the country. Two ports in our region support this industry: the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach. With congestion at these ports, consumers may experience delays, retailers will find themselves with empty shelves, and whole sectors will be impacted due to delays in receiving essential items like medical supplies, electronics, and other components.
These ports, the largest in North America, represent the gateway to goods that reach destinations across the country. The increase in consumer demand, change in global trade policies, and labor shortages have created an environment that is untenable, with a national impact.
President Biden proposed to keep the ports, which already operate on a 24/7 basis, open for trucks to move goods in and out 24/7. While it is somewhat helpful, it won’t mean much unless there are trucks to move those goods. The Chamber joined a statewide effort to identify short term solutions that can help alleviate the situation in the supply chain so goods can flow with maximum efficiency. Read the coalition letter to the Governor.
While Governor Newsom’s recent Executive Order is a first step, the business coalition noted opportunities to do more. Read the statement outlining further necessary actions to ease the situation and protect thousands of jobs in the region.
We need a comprehensive solution that includes: infrastructure investment, short term actions, long term strategies, and public-private partnerships to ensure that Los Angeles’ transportation and goods movement sector is operating efficiently and remains globally competitive. These are the goals that the Chamber will continue in its advocacy work.
As the holiday season approaches and the pandemic remains a health threat, we must ensure our supply chain is uninterrupted, strong, and globally competitive.
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