October 15, 2026
Contact: Natasha Villa, Senior Manager, Public Affairs
nvilla@pmsaship.com | (562) 241-0433
Container dwell times at the San Pedro Bay ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach remained elevated in September as marine terminals continued to handle record high, peak season cargo volumes.
Local truck dwell in September 2026 at 3.18 days was up from August’s 2.95 days while rail dwell at 7.19 days rose from August’s 6.75 days. September and August upward pressure on dwell times reflects these record volumes and underscores the strength of cargo demand moving through the nation’s busiest intermodal gateway.
“September was a record-setting month for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and the higher dwell times reflect the sheer volume of cargo moving through the complex, with rail dwell continuing to be the area of greatest pressure,” said Natasha Villa, Senior Manager of Public Affairs for the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA). “Marine terminals, drayage providers, and rail partners continue to work closely together to keep cargo moving throughout our extended peak season and adapt to changing and unique cargo patterns as we head into the final quarter of the year.”
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About the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA)
PMSA is an independent, not-for-profit association which represents owners and operators of marine terminals, ocean carriers, and vessels operating on the US West Coast. PMSA maintains offices in Oakland, Long Beach, and Seattle.