Port of StocktonSailors SocietyGeneva DryCimbriaTBA GroupPort of South Louisiana
  • Van Aalst
  • Telestack
  • TOC Americas
  • TBA Group
  • Geneva Dry
  • Port of South Louisiana

Utah and Long Beach take action to address supply chain delays

Utah and Long Beach take action to address supply chain delays

(Posted on 28/10/21)

The Port of Long Beach (POLB), the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA), and Union Pacific Railroad have announced a bold initiative that brings rapid relief from existing port congestion by optimizing rail deliveries between California and Utah. In a joint statement, Executive Directors Mario Cordero of the Port of Long Beach and Jack Hedge of the Utah Inland Port Authority said “The direct, regularly scheduled rail service connecting the Port of Long Beach to Salt Lake City will allow cargo destined for all of the Intermountain West to be rapidly evacuated from terminals in Long Beach to Salt Lake City for further distribution throughout the region. Much of this cargo traditionally moves to Utah, Colorado, Nevada, and Idaho by truck.”

The initiative is the first implementation of an agreement between POLB and UIPA that focuses on reducing congestion and cost associated with cargo movement through the corridor by optimizing the existing on- and near-dock rail system of the Port of Long Beach to reduce dwell times and improve the speed and consistency of rail deliveries to and from Utah.

The Port of Long Beach is the USA’s second-busiest seaport. The Utah Inland Port Authority is a state agency with a regional approach to increase utilization and expand access for commerce throughout Utah.

“A direct connection to Utah links two critical points in the supply chain and immediately reduces pressure on terminal storage, gates, chassis, and the local drayage community on the coast,” said Mario Cordero, Executive Director of the Port of Long Beach. “Not only is this a more efficient service for importers in the Intermountain West, but it’s also a major step forward for exporters from the region.”

“Union Pacific is pleased to support customers in the region,” said Hasan Hyder, General Director of Intermodal at Union Pacific. “Our Salt Lake City facilities offer a perfect relief valve for some of the current port congestion and open a new world of services for companies across the region.”

This initiative aims to provide consistent, reliable movement of cargo on rail that improves fluidity and reduces delays of shipments already set to come to the Intermountain region, rather than increase cargo volume.

“Converting road into rail cargo has many benefits and is part of our ongoing drive to reduce impacts associated with cargo movement,” said Jack Hedge, Executive Director of the Utah Inland Port Authority. “In addition to providing enhanced efficiency for regional importers and exporters, this service will reduce truck traffic across Utah and positively impact our local air quality and freeway congestion issues.”

Loading 100 intermodal rail cars equates to 300 trucks off the road. An analysis by the Association of American Railroads concluded railroads are, on average, four times more fuel efficient than trucks and moving freight by rail instead of truck lowers greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent.

Improving visibility of cargo is also a key component to untangling the supply chain and improving capacity. UIPA has announced the Intelligent Crossroads Network (“ICN”), a private 5G and artificial intelligence network built in partnership with QuayChain Technologies that will allow cargo tracking, monitoring and planning, and even greater efficiencies for users throughout the corridor connecting Long Beach and Utah.

“Both UIPA and POLB agree that current issues in the supply chain reveal the urgent need for new ways of doing business and solutions that combine existing resources and new technologies,” Hedge said. “The ICN allows for the most digitally connected logistics experience possible in the supply chain.”

"Malouf Companies is supportive of any and all efforts to ease the port congestion in Southern California,” said Casey Heslop, International Logistics Manager. “We appreciate the efforts of UIPA and the Port of Long Beach in engaging with rail and other supply chain providers in the region, and we are optimistic that such engagement can result in significant economic and environmental benefits.”

Latest News

Ducat’s West Africa rice milestone highlights advanced logistical methods

(Posted on 14/10/24)

Ducat Maritime, a leader in global maritime logistics, has announced that it has successfully shipped... Read more


International port stakeholders sign declaration to decarbonise global shipping

(Posted on 14/10/24)

The Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC), has concluded with representatives of various ports, international... Read more


Logistec appoints Cleidy Liborio Fernandes CCO to accelerate growth

(Posted on 08/10/24)

LOGISTEC, a leading North American marine and environmental services provider, has announced the appointment... Read more


Hamburg and Singapore begin strategic partnership

(Posted on 08/10/24)

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and the Maritime and Port Authority Singapore (MPA) have signed a letter... Read more


Xeneta: US port strike ends, but supply chains to take weeks to recover

(Posted on 04/10/24)

Strike action at ports on the US East and Gulf Coast have ended after a new wage agreement was reached... Read more


Successful Rotterdam moveable shore power pilot

(Posted on 01/10/24)

In recent months, a pilot with moveable battery containers with shore power has taken place at the Steinweg... Read more


Maqta Gateway and Presight sign strategic AI-powered solutions agreement

(Posted on 01/10/24)

Maqta Gateway, part of AD Ports Group’s Digital Cluster, has announced the signing of a Partnering... Read more


Celebrations as Emerald Duchess is officially named at Teesport

(Posted on 01/10/24)

The Emerald Duchess – a £23m for dredger for the River Tees - has been officially named... Read more


Xeneta: US East Coast port strikes to cause major disruption

(Posted on 25/09/24)

Ripple effects of strike action at ports on the US East and Gulf coasts will cause severe supply chain... Read more


Verbrugge Zeeland Terminal cements North Sea Port’s rail port status

(Posted on 25/09/24)

Two newly-lengthened railway lines have been officially taken into use at the Verbrugge Zeeland Terminal... Read more


TelestackViganTOC AmericasVan AalstTMS Awards 2023Bühler GmbH
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • Sailors Society
  • Vigan

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping