Port volumes are shifting, ocean carriers are recalibrating, and inland congestion is creeping back into the conversation. The result? Traffic and equipment imbalances that disrupt schedules, slow down drayage, and squeeze availability—especially for containers and chassis.
At Hight Logistics, we help shippers plan ahead for these pressures. Whether it’s an unexpected container surge like the record-setting June at the Port of Los Angeles or a volume dip like what Oakland just experienced, our team is built to adapt—and to keep your freight moving.
What’s Causing the Imbalances?
Current port activity and inland congestion trends are creating bottlenecks in the system:
- Surging volumes at SoCal ports (e.g., LA/Long Beach saw record container imports in June)
- Declines in Northern California traffic (Oakland volumes down 10%, triggering a shift in equipment availability)
- Chassis shortages tied to container dwell and slow returns
- Carrier recalibration of sailing schedules and inland depot service
This mismatch between where containers land and where they’re needed creates ripple effects. If your freight depends on chassis or containers that aren’t in position, delays follow fast. Carriers begin charging repositioning fees to cover the cost of moving containers from areas of high supply to where they are most needed.
How Hight Helps You Plan Smarter
Our location, just ten miles from both the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach, gives us a head start—but proximity alone isn’t enough. We bring the planning muscle, too.
With Hight, you get:
- Early access to port release schedules
- A local drayage team that knows terminal behaviors and peak windows
- Real-time chassis and equipment availability tracking
- Cross-dock and transload options to reduce equipment dependence
- Secure short-term storage when delays force a reroute
- Communication that keeps your team informed at every turn
We also maintain strong relationships with regional depots and steamship lines, which gives us flexibility when congestion hits.
The Bottom Line: Delays Happen—But They Don’t Have to Stop You
You can’t control port traffic or equipment circulation. But you can choose a logistics partner that sees these imbalances coming and adjusts accordingly.
At Hight Logistics, we manage freight and the expectations, decisions, and equipment strategies that keep it moving.
Let’s talk about how we can help you build resilience before the next imbalance slows someone else down.
