Rail Backlog Deepens at LA–Long Beach as Nearly 36,000 Containers Await Inland Movement

## Rail Backlog Deepens at LA–Long Beach as Nearly 36,000 Containers Await Inland Movement A significant intermodal bottleneck is developing at the San Pedro Bay port complex, with nearly 35,700 import containers awaiting on-dock rail service at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, according to FreightWaves. The backlog, which has grown in recent days, reflects the compounding pressures of record-level cargo throughput and reported shortages of available railcars — a combination that is slowing the movement of goods from the nation's busiest port gateway to inland distribution centres and warehouses. ### Record Volumes Strain Intermodal Infrastructure The San Pedro Bay complex handles approximately 40% of all containerised imports entering the United States, making disruptions at this gateway particularly consequential for national supply chains. When on-dock rail — the most efficient mechanism for moving high volumes of containers to inland destinations — becomes congested, cargo can spill over into terminal yards, reducing overall port productivity and increasing dwell times. Railcar availability has been cited as a key constraint. When demand for rail capacity outpaces the supply of equipment, containers queue on terminal, occupying valuable yard space and creating a cascading effect that can slow vessel operations and gate throughput. ### Broader Supply Chain Implications For shippers and beneficial cargo owners, the growing backlog translates into extended transit times and potential additional storage costs. Importers relying on just-in-time inventory models are particularly exposed to delays of this nature. The situation also places renewed scrutiny on the resilience of the US intermodal rail network, which has faced periodic capacity challenges during periods of elevated import demand. Industry observers will be watching closely to see whether Class I railroads can deploy additional equipment quickly enough to clear the queue before yard congestion reaches critical levels. Port authorities and terminal operators at Los Angeles and Long Beach have not yet issued formal advisories, but logistics providers are advised to monitor dwell time data and communicate proactively with rail partners regarding equipment availability and booking windows. *Source: FreightWaves*