Proactively plan loads due to congestion

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 |
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Savannah | $150M |
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Los Angeles | $60M |
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Tacoma | $54M |
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Long Beach | $52M |
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Baltimore | $47M |
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New York/New Jersey | $44M |
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Houston | $40M |
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Charleston | $35M |
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Miami | $30M |
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Oakland | $35M |
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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.