The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are the busiest container gateways in the United States, handling about 31% of America’s ocean trade. Not only are they vital to California’s economy, but they also serve as a cornerstone of national and international commerce. However, this critical role also makes them highly vulnerable to congestion.
One of the most pressing challenges today is the shortage of port chassis—the wheeled frames used to transport shipping containers between terminals, warehouses, and trucking yards.
Why Is There a Chassis Shortage at Ports Like Los Angeles–Long Beach?
Longer Dwell Times for Containers and Chassis
Import surges have significantly increased the average street dwell time for chassis. Instead of being returned and reused within a few days, many remain at warehouses or truck yards for more than a week. This extended idle time removes a substantial portion of the chassis fleet from active service.
Even a small increase in dwell time can have a compounding effect. With thousands of chassis tied up, truckers must wait longer to move containers off the docks, slowing the overall flow of cargo through the ports.
Restrictions on Empty Container and Chassis Returns
Rules governing when and where empty containers can be returned are another major bottleneck. With limited stacking space and strict appointment systems, truckers often wait several days before unloading an empty container.
Until that return is made, the chassis underneath the container cannot be reassigned to another load. This keeps equipment stuck at the wrong location and further reduces availability during peak periods.
Operational Bottlenecks and Missed Dual Transactions
Coordinating schedules between terminal operators, trucking companies, and drivers is inherently complex. Ideally, truckers perform “dual transactions” to maximize efficiency—returning an empty container and picking up a loaded one in the same trip.
When gate congestion, mismatched appointments, or delays prevent these dual moves, it results in more trips, higher costs, and idle chassis until they can be repositioned. These operational inefficiencies accumulate quickly across thousands of daily container moves.
High Port Utilization Rates
As of June 2025, the Port of Long Beach operates at around 60% capacity, while the Port of Los Angeles runs at approximately 70% capacity. At such high utilization levels, the system has little room to absorb disruptions. Even small delays can trigger a chain reaction, causing gate backlogs, equipment shortages, and slower inland container movement.
Wider Supply Chain Complications
Beyond the ports themselves, global supply chain factors also contribute to the chassis shortage. Seasonal trade fluctuations, shipping route changes, or labor disputes in the port or trucking sectors can all slow the return of equipment.
Meanwhile, mismatches in warehouse and distribution center capacity can trap chassis far from where they are most urgently required. These broader disruptions make it harder to balance supply with demand in real time.
Supporting the Flow of Goods with CIE Manufacturing
The chassis shortage at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach highlights how critical efficient equipment circulation is to keeping America’s supply chain moving. Given this demand, the need for quality chassis is clear, considering the amount of work each unit handles.
CIE Manufacturing is committed to supporting the industry with durable, high-quality chassis designed for heavy port use. As one of the leading names in chassis manufacturing, we offer equipment built to meet the demands of today’s busiest shipping gateways.
Contact us today to explore solutions that keep your cargo—and your business—moving forward.
References
– Tariff fears spark record cargo surge at LA/Long Beach ports – AInvest: https://www.ainvest.com/news/tariff-fears-spark-2025-record-cargo-surge-la-long-beach-ports-2506/
– May imports drop 9% at busiest U.S. seaport amid China tariffs – Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/may-imports-drop-9-busiest-us-seaport-145-china-tariffs-2025-06-13/
– Chassis equipment issues reemerge at LA/LB port complex – JOC: https://www.joc.com/article/chassis-equipment-issues-reemerge-at-lalb-port-complex-5201153
– Why there is a chassis shortage at LA/Long Beach ports – More Than Shipping: https://www.morethanshipping.com/why-there-is-a-chassis-shortage-at-the-ports-of-los-angeles-and-long-beach/
Author & Contributor Information
Ward Proctor
Dealer Sales Manager – CIE Manufacturing
Ward Proctor is the Dealer Sales Manager at CIE Manufacturing, specializing in dealer partnerships and tailored intermodal chassis solutions across North America. With nearly 20 years in transportation solutions, he advises on container chassis selection to meet diverse operational needs. Ward holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and is a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), recognized for his client-first approach and deep knowledge of the intermodal industry.