“Hindsight is 20/20.” One only has a complete understanding of an event once it has happened. Now that the unprecedented cargo volumes handled at US ports in 2022 have to some extent normalized, it’s time to implement the lessons learned to prepare for the next surge to ensure future sustainability.
The paralyzing congestion had its genesis in limited options for alternative non-terminal cargo storage and entrenched behaviors preventing the utilization of extended marine terminal hours. Cargo interests must investigate inland solutions for loads and empty container storage to allow for the expeditious removal of cargo from terminals, like the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s recently created Warehouse Directory, for which they’re seeking additional entries to update it. Others should follow suit. The flow of empty containers should be monitored to ensure that an overabundance of empties do not accumulate. Stakeholders should investigate potential areas near their respective port facilities as potential sites for pop-up empty yards for future needs.
However, knowing the availability of alternative storage options is not enough. We must change behavior regarding the pickup and delivery of cargo. Stakeholders should work with cargo receiving and storage facilities operators on maintaining operational hours that provide greater flexibility for motor carriers. This would cut down on terminal queues and enhance terminal productivity later in the day. Now is the time to encourage cargo interests and motor carriers to utilize data initiatives that provide enhanced cargo information designed to facilitate terminal efficiency. In the Port of New York and New Jersey, this information is available through TIPS, a portal that provides unified container watchlists with advanced searching, the ability to download containers, booking and group code information through email notification, PDF and Excel formats, cargo hold information, vessel schedules with list and calendar views, and empty return instructions. The understanding of what occurred in 2022 must provide the impetus to implement systemic changes to avoid similar disruptions in the future.