The Port of Long Beach is collaborating with its marine terminal operators to bolster the number of “two-way” truck deliveries amid the strongest cargo surge in the Port’s 109-year history, the company said in its release.
The four companies that operate the Port’s six container terminals -- International Transportation Service, Long Beach Container Terminal, SSA Marine and Total Terminals International -- have committed to increasing the number of truck moves that pair an export container delivery with an import container pickup appointment during the same visit.
The Port and its container cargo terminal operators are working directly with truck drivers and customers to improve the appointment system and maximize the number of these dual transactions, aimed at balancing inbound and outbound cargo flow, and thus improve efficiency within the supply chain.
With a goal of ensuring that at least 50% of the Port’s deliveries are dual transactions, all Long Beach terminal operators are implementing system enhancements and encouraging trucking companies and drivers to drop off an empty cargo container while picking up an imported container.
Long Beach marine terminal operators have already made significant strides to achieve dual transactions, with some terminals already achieving more than 70%. Increasing the share of dual trips will maximize opportunities for drivers and make the entire supply chain more efficient.
Long considered a necessary step to achieve operational efficiencies, this move by marine terminal operators puts the Port of Long Beach ahead of other gateways. While some exceptions will apply, prioritizing dual transactions will ultimately increase truck operation efficiencies while also helping the Port handle record cargo volumes triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Port of Long Beach is one of the world’s premier seaports, a gateway for trans-Pacific trade and a trailblazer in goods movement and environmental stewardship. With 175 shipping lines connecting Long Beach to 217 seaports, the Port handles $170 billion in trade annually, supporting more than 575,000 Southern California jobs.