Off Peak Port Shifts Prove Successful

PierPASS Inc. announced heavy usage of the first OffPeak night shift at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

More than 7,500 containers entered or exited marine terminals opening night or about 29% of a typical day’s volume of 26,000 containers. PierPASS has set a goal of moving 15 to 20% of cargo during the new OffPeak shifts after the first 12 months of operation.

"Those are 7,500 truck trips that didn’t take place on crowded daytime highways," says Bruce Wargo PierPASS Inc. president and CEO. "The longshoremen all showed up, thousands of truck drivers showed up, there were no labor issues, and we’ve delivered more than 7,500 containers in and out of the terminals. We’re off to a very strong start."

The first OffPeak Saturday shift, held during daytime hours, also drew heavier-than-expected cargo volume. The OffPeak program aims to reduce traffic congestion in and around the ports by shifting cargo movement to nights and weekends, when highways are relatively clear.

Efficiency in the terminals opening night was good overall, though some customers experienced scattered delays. Initial reports from the terminals show average turnaround times of 35 to 40 minutes, about the same as daytime turn times.

"We’ve identified some customer service issues that we’re working on, but that’s not unexpected," Wargo says. "It was our first night, and we will continue working to make things better. Average turn times show that overall efficiency was high."

Initial signs also pointed to an immediate benefit on area traffic conditions. "This is the second morning in a row with light traffic on the 710 going into the harbor, so I have to think that it’s having an impact," Wargo says.

Under the OffPeak program, marine terminals have established five new shifts per week (Monday through Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). As an incentive to use the new OffPeak shifts, a Traffic Mitigation Fee will be required for most cargo movement during peak hours (Monday through Friday, 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.).