{
  "id": 8899823,
  "title": "Rail-destined container dwell times at LA/LB ports reach 2026 high amid resilient demand",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/rail-destined-container-dwell-times-at-la-lb-ports-reach-2026-high",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-21T10:00:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hellenic Shipping News",
    "slug": "hellenic-shipping-news",
    "url": "https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/rail-destined-container-dwell-times-at-la-lb-ports-reach-2026-high-amid-resilient-demand/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Rail-destined shipping containers at Los Angeles and Long Beach ports are experiencing extended dwell times, reaching their highest levels of the year. According to the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA), dwell times have climbed to 6.75 days, up from 6.34 days in July, marking the longest period since the past year. This surge in dwell time is attributed to resilient consumer demand, early holiday shipments, and a diverse cargo mix. The Port of LA recently completed its busiest three-month period, handling over 2.9 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) in June, July, and August. The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts that the peak season will continue, with September potentially becoming the busiest month of the year for import volume at major container ports. Despite several challenges such as tariff increases, inflation, and rising fuel prices due to the conflict in Iran, retail sales remain strong, and cargo movement is generally smooth. However, there are reports of vessel delays and increased times required for cargo to move through the supply chain. Experts project a decrease in volumes in October and November, indicating that demand is easing. For the chemical industry, container ships transport polymers like polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), and other chemicals such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and liquid chemicals in isotanks. Truck dwell times, on the other hand, have eased, with PMSA data showing a slight decrease to 2.95 days in August 2026 from 3 days in July. Truck transportation accounts for about 60% of domestic chemical transportation due to its lower cost and flexibility compared to other modes.",
  "summary": "Dwell times for rail-destined shipping containers from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach (LA/LB) are at the longest of the year amid resilient consumer demand, early holiday shipments, and a broad cargo mix. According to data from the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA), rail dwell climbed to 6.75 days, up slightly from July’s ...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}