Some ports seeing volume surge

As of July 2014, some major US Ports are seeing container volumes surge to tremendous levels. Port of Los Angeles, for example, reports that container volumes have surged to the highest monthly volume since September 2012. As the busiest seaport in the United States, Los Angeles often sets trends for the rest of the country. Based on port data, import volumes rose 16.6 percent from year-earlier levels, and export volumes increased 8.51 percent year-over-year. West Coast ports handled 59 percent of retail containerized cargo in May, down from 62 percent in January. This indicates that retailers are increasingly diverting freight to East Coast ports in an effort to steer clear of labor disruptions, the study suggested. When volume peaks like this occur, it's important to work with your freight forwarder to ensure that your supply chain is not disrupted. The International team at Global Forwarding can be reached to help with quotes or questions at (877) 287-0804.