Bridge closure, strong import volumes cause delays for containers at port of LA/LB

Construction projects and high import volumes at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports are causing delays in rail and freight shipments, according to market participants. One company anticipates an extra two days of lead time for products passing through the ports, while another estimates delays will extend lead times by three to four days.

Local truck dwell time increased from 2.95 days in August to 3.18 days in September, while rail dwell time rose from 6.75 days to 7.19 days during the same period. A key reason for the delays is the 16-month closure of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, which will undergo rehabilitation including a deck replacement. The bridge, a critical route for heavy trucks, will close on November 7.

Caltrans will manage local traffic impacts through infrastructure improvements, manual traffic control, and enhanced communication. Motorists will be redirected along Interstates 710 and 110, State Route 103, and Harry Bridges Boulevard. Another factor is the record-breaking volume of containers through the ports. The Port of LA handled a record 1,042,652 TEUs in September, surpassing the previous high set in July 2025.

Loaded imports rose 19%, and loaded exports increased by 10%. The Port of Long Beach also set a record with 997,177 TEUs handled last month, up 31.3% in imports and 7.8% in exports compared to September 2025. Nearly 8.1 million TEUs were processed at both ports during the first nine months of 2026. Additionally, about 250 port watchmen at the LA/LB ports may strike this weekend, potentially halting operations at eight terminals.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26 has authorized the strike, with watchmen handling roughly 85% of Long Beach’s cargo and 33% of Los Angeles’ cargo. The Port of Long Beach has extended gates at terminals in the evenings and on Saturdays, a policy that will continue for six weeks, excluding the Thanksgiving week.