US approves LA port partnership

America’s biggest container port complex will get more latitude to address major congestion issues with new approvals granted by the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)

The agency on 26 February expedited an amendment to a 2013 agreement between theportsof Los Angeles and Long Beach. The amended agreement will allow the ports to work more closely on initiatives that increase terminal productivity, address shortages of chassis used to haul containers in and out of the terminals, and improve drayage truck turn times.

The FMC’s approval comes a week after US west coast container terminals and liner owners reached a preliminary agreement with dockworkers on a five-year labour contract.

West coast ports and shippers had warned that terminal congestion had grown to crisis levels in the months leading up to the 20 February accord.

“This FMC action will assist us in our efforts to grow cargo and jobs in the nation’s busiest trade gateway,” said Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka.

Seroka added: “We look forward to collaboration and the development of strategies that will benefit both ports as we adjust to the changing dynamics of seaborne trade.”

source:www.ihsmaritime360.com