Federal Maritime Commission Gets Real About U.S. Container Port Congestion

The Federal Maritime Commission believes that infrastructure investment is at the core of the discussion, however, other factors must be addressed in the near term to ensure an efficient and reliable international ocean transportation system and the relevant supply chain. By Patrick Burnson

Congestion is a serious challenge to America’s continuing economic growth and competitive position in the world economy.

July 16, 2015

In a development certain to resonate with logistics managers, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has just released a report entitled U.S. Container Port Congestion & Related International Supply Chain Issues: Causes, Consequences & Challenges.

The report organizes and further develops stakeholder discussion around six major themes that emerged at the2014 FMC Port Forums held at major gateway ports – investment and planning; chassis availability and related issues; vessel and terminal operations; port drayage and truck turn-time; extended gate hours, PierPASS and congestion pricing; and collaboration and communication.

These forums provided a unique opportunity for industry stakeholders to gather around the country to share their views on the causes, consequences and challenges surrounding congestion at ports and other parts of the intermodal system, as well as share ideas for possible solutions.

“International trade relies on our nation’s ports, therefore port congestion is a paramount question at the international supply chain level, and is not a solely domestic concern,” saysFMC Chairman Mario Cordero.

He notes, too, that President Obama moved the Build America Investment initiativeforward. Inclusive in the initiative was the need for investment in our ports.

“In line with the Administration, the Commission is committed to addressing the question of congestion at our vital port gateways,” says Cordero.

The FMC believes that infrastructure investment is at the core of the discussion, however, other factors must be addressed in the near term to ensure an efficient and reliable international ocean transportation system and the relevant supply chain.

The report addresses current and anticipated future challenges caused by congestion at U.S. port gateways, and comments on the causes and effects of congestion with the objective of facilitating further discussion on potential solutions.