PierPASS analysis reveals almost half of trucks make four or more transactions per day

The latest transaction data from marine terminal operators (MTOs) at the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach shows that nearly half of the trucks conducted at least four transactions (container pickups or deliveries) per day in late-July, while almost two-thirds of trucks made three or more transactions per day.

According to PierPASS president & CEO Bruce Wargo, the analysis of transaction data shows that the ports are vastly under-utilised, despite increased cargo volumes and truck traffic.

"PierPASS and the MTOs are working together to improve the efficiency of cargo movement through the ports, ease the challenges of increased cargo volume and help the industry take advantage of unused capacity to minimise congestion," said Wargo.

The analysis, which includes transaction data from July 26, 2010 to August 1, 2010, shows that:

• 5,326 trucks (63.4%) made at least fifteen transactions, or about three per day

• Of that group, 3,849 trucks (45.8%) conducted at least twenty terminal transactions, or about four per day

• 48 trucks managed to make more than fifty pickups or deliveries in that week, or about ten per day

The analysis includes transaction data from the thirteen container terminals serving the San Pedro Bay ports.

Following the drop in cargo volumes in 2008 and 2009, volumes have strongly rebounded at the two ports, leading to an increase in truck traffic. In response to this, the MTOs have reinstated labour, gates and shifts that were cut during the recession, increasing labour levels by 37% since January 2010.

With some in the industry expressing concern about wait times at the terminals gates, MTOs are working with industry stakeholders to identify solutions.