Port Congestion in the US: How It Impacts Your Supply Chain (and What You Can Do)

Port congestion in the United States continues to be a major challenge for global shippers, importers, and Amazon FBA sellers. From Los Angeles to New York, delays at U.S. ports can disrupt entire supply chains—causing longer lead times, rising costs, and inventory shortages.

In this article, we explore:

What causes port congestion in the U.S.

How it affects your supply chain and delivery timelines

What proactive steps you can take to minimize the impact

⚓ What Is Port Congestion?

Port congestion happens when a port is overwhelmed with incoming or outgoing cargo, leading to:

Long wait times for vessels to unload

Container backlogs

Delayed customs clearance

Higher demurrage and detention fees

U.S. ports like Los Angeles (LAX), Long Beach (LGB), New York/New Jersey (NY/NJ), and Savannah (SAV) are frequently impacted due to high container traffic and infrastructure limitations.

📉 How Port Congestion Impacts Your Supply Chain

Here’s how port congestion directly affects importers and Amazon sellers shipping from China:

1. Extended Transit Time

Ships can be delayed for days or even weeks waiting to berth at congested ports. A 25-day sea freight route from Shenzhen may become a 40+ day ordeal.

2. Rising Freight and Storage Costs

When containers can't be unloaded, you may incur:

Demurrage fees (for staying too long at the port)

Detention fees (for keeping the container longer than allowed)

Chassis shortage surcharges

3. Missed Amazon FBA Delivery Windows

Delays may result in late delivery appointments or penalties from Amazon for missed inbound shipments.

4. Inventory Shortages and Stockouts

If your goods are stuck at the port, your warehouse and store shelves go empty. This leads to:

Lost sales

Negative customer reviews

Reduced Amazon IPI score

5. Disruption in Cash Flow

Delayed shipments mean delayed restocking, fulfillment, and sales, creating a ripple effect on your working capital and business operations.

🧭 What Causes Port Congestion in the US?

Common reasons include:

High import volumes (especially from Asia)

Labor shortages at ports

Lack of trucks or chassis for drayage

Slow customs clearance and inspections

Weather disruptions (e.g. hurricanes, fog)

Inland rail delays and warehouse bottlenecks

✅ What You Can Do to Minimize the Impact

While port congestion may be outside your control, there are several strategic steps you can take to protect your supply chain:

1. Use Less Congested Ports

Consider routing shipments through alternative entry ports like:

Houston (HOU)

Seattle/Tacoma (SEA)

Oakland (OAK)
These ports are often less congested than LA/LGB and can offer faster inland delivery.

2. Book Early and Confirm Vessel Space

Work with your freight forwarder in advance to:

Secure vessel space

Confirm estimated time of arrival (ETA)

Reserve Amazon delivery appointments early

3. Use Weekly Consolidation Services

For FBA sellers, weekly LCL consolidation from Shenzhen can provide more flexibility and frequent sailings. This helps you replenish inventory in smaller, more frequent batches and avoid FCL-related delays.

Learn more about our Weekly Consolidation Shipping from Shenzhen to Amazon FBA.

4. Choose DDP Shipping for Simplified Clearance

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping includes:

Customs clearance

Import duties

Final delivery to your warehouse or Amazon FBA

This avoids customs delays and unexpected port fees.

Learn more about our DDP Shipping Services from China to the USA

5. Split Shipments Across Ports or Modes

Diversify your logistics plan:

Ship part of your cargo via air freight for urgent inventory

Use multiple ports of entry to reduce risk

Combine sea + rail + truck to speed up inland movement

6. Track and Communicate Frequently

Use a freight forwarder that offers:

Real-time tracking

Proactive alerts

Dedicated logistics support

Staying informed allows faster decisions when delays occur.

📦 Case Example: Avoiding LA Congestion with Alternate Routing

One of our clients was facing a 3-week delay at the Port of Los Angeles. By rerouting their consolidated LCL shipment to Houston and using our DDP delivery service, we helped:

Avoid demurrage charges

Deliver to Amazon FBA on time

Save over $1,200 in storage fees

📞 Let Us Help You Navigate Port Delays

At Passionship Logistics, we specialize in:

Sea and air freight from China to the U.S.

Weekly FBA consolidation

Customs clearance and DDP services

Flexible port routing options

With our experienced team and U.S. network, we help you minimize delays and maximize delivery reliability.

👉 Request a Free Quote today.

🔍 Final Thoughts

Port congestion in the U.S. is a real threat to supply chain performance—but with smart planning and the right logistics partner, you can stay ahead of delays, reduce costs, and keep your business moving forward.

If you're looking for a freight forwarder in China who understands U.S. port dynamics, talk to our team today.