Import Activity Surged in May Amid Labor Impasse at Calif. Ports

U.S. ports handled 2.4 million 20-foot-long containers or their equivalents in May, reported the National Retail Federation Friday, up 6% from April and 2.7% higher year over year, setting a new record for the number of containers imported in a single month since NRF began tracking imports in 2002. NRF attributed the increase to retailers stocking up before dockworkers’ West Coast labor contract expired July 1. Cargo operations are continuing, said the association. “Cargo volume is expected to remain high as we head into the peak shipping season, and it is essential that all ports continue to operate with minimal disruption,” said Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president-supply chain and customs policy. “Supply chain challenges will continue throughout the remainder of the year, and it is particularly important that labor and management at West Coast ports remain at the bargaining table and reach an agreement.”