Drayage

Proactively plan loads due to congestion

C.H. Robinson drayage freight market update

North America

Infrastructure improvements

There are several infrastructure projects scheduled in the next 12–18 months. Below are all enhancements that have been approved and are ready for commencement.

U.S. port Total spend Planned upgrades Projected outcome
Savannah $150M
  • Expand container yard
  • New cranes and equipment
  • Improved rail connectivity
  • Enhanced cargo throughput
  • Reduced congestion
  • Improved supply chain reliability
Los Angeles $60M
  • Terminal infrastructure upgrades
  • Zero-emission technologies
  • Improved rail and road connectivity
  • Increased capacity
  • Reduced emissions
  • Enhanced supply chain efficiency
Tacoma $54M
  • Husky terminal expansion
  • Cargo handling infrastructure upgrades
  • Increased terminal capacity
  • Improved operational efficiency
Long Beach $52M
  • Expand North Harbor Transportation System
  • Zero-emission cargo handling equipment
  • Increased capacity and efficiency
  • Reduced emissions
  • Improved safety and reliability
Baltimore $47M
  • New rolling cargo berth
  • Offshore wind manufacturing hub
  • Expand Howard Street Tunnel
  • Enhanced cargo handling
  • Increased rail capacity
  • Boosted economic activity
New York/New Jersey $44M
  • Modernize PNCT terminal
  • Install advanced traffic management system
  • Reduced congestion
  • Improved traffic
  • Enhanced operational efficiency
Houston $40M
  • Expand container terminals
  • Upgrade cargo handling equipment
  • Improve dredging operations
  • Increased cargo capacity
  • Improved operational efficiency
  • Enhanced navigational safety
Charleston $35M
  • Install advanced cargo handling equipment
  • Improve rail connectivity
  • Reduced congestion
  • Enhanced supply chain reliability
Miami $30M
  • Install new cranes
  • Upgrade port infrastructure
  • Improved efficiency
  • Enhanced economic growth
Oakland $35M
  • Install zero-emissions cargo handling equipment
  • Improve rail and road connectivity
  • Increased capacity
  • Reduced emissions
  • Enhanced operational efficiency

 

West

Los Angeles/Long Beach (LA/LB)

Rail container dwell times in LA/LB reached an average of almost 10 days in October, the highest since 2022. These dwell times are expected to remain elevated through January due to high import volumes and cargo diversions from the East and Gulf coasts.

Import volumes have increased by 30% over last year and are expected to stay strong through Lunar New Year, leading to tight capacity and potential congestion. Long Beach handled its busiest month ever and is operating at 70% capacity, ready to handle additional cargo diverted from the East Coast. Shippers, especially in the automotive sector, should build buffer times into their supply chains to manage these delays.

Northeast

New York/New Jersey

The PNCT terminal has been extremely backed up, with lines extending past the APM terminal, partly due to the recent East Coast labor strike. Local police have been controlling traffic due to the length of the line, impacting both terminals. This congestion is causing significant delays and operational challenges for shippers in the region.

Southeast

Charleston

There has been a surge in freight due to the holiday season, causing some carriers to add accessorials like pre-pulls and yard storage without prior approval. The current ideal lead time is around seven days, so be sure to proactively load plan and prioritize shipments to avoid delays.

Western North Carolina and Tennessee

Several roads remain closed due to Hurricane Helene, with detour routes inaccessible to commercial vehicles, causing base rates to increase for many lanes. Shippers should communicate these increases to customers and plan accordingly for freight moving through this corridor.

Central/Ohio Valley

Chicago

The UP G4 ramp is experiencing extended wait times due to frequent automated crane breakdowns, causing delays in container pulls. Additionally, CSX has shifted international container services from Wilmington to Chicago from the CSX Bedford Park location to CSX 59th St., a grounded facility, leading to chassis splits. Carriers familiar with both ramps should manage this transition smoothly. 

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*This information is built on market data from public sources and C.H. Robinson’s information advantage—based on our experience, data, and scale. Use these insights to stay informed, make decisions designed to mitigate your risk, and avoid disruptions to your supply chain.

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