US imports from Asia in August increased 34 percent from June, driven by a high demand for e-commerce fulfillment and personal protective equipment (PPE). Last month alone, imports from China were up 32 percent.

The combination of import fluctuations and blank sailings has had an uneven impact on supply chains at US ports and inland transportation causing marine terminal congestions, chassis shortages and slower processing of shipments at import distribution centers.

We are seeing these port congestions and chassis shortages in both Los Angeles – Long Beach (LA/LB) and New York – New Jersey (NY/NJ) terminals. In LA/LB, truckers and marine terminals said a shortage of chassis has recurred as a result of warehouses and manufacturing plants holding equipment longer.

Importers should prepare for delays and increased costs, such as congestion, detention, per diem and demurrage charges.

Shapiro will continue to monitor the situation and provide status updates as they become available.