With an early swell in Transpacific cargo volumes and uncertainty around tariff timelines, shippers and forwarders are again watching the West Coast port congestion landscape with concern. As experienced customs brokers and freight professionals, Coppersmith has seen many seasons of volatility, and we know how to help clients keep freight moving when things tighten up.
Recent reports suggest a significant increase in inbound bookings through May and June. While this early activity is driven partly by tariff reprieve windows and stronger-than-expected demand, the underlying concern is familiar: Will the system keep up?
Why It’s Happening Now
- Shippers are pulling cargo forward.
With tariff changes looming and costs uncertain, importers are trying to beat deadlines and reduce risk. - Carrier schedules are shifting.
Ocean carriers funnel capacity into Asia-U.S. West Coast lanes, tightening equipment and space availability elsewhere. - Terminal operations remain fragile.
Even as productivity improves, labor contracts, chassis availability, and empty return policies remain pressure points. - Blank sailings and rerouted vessels are stacking pressure.
While congestion isn’t at crisis levels yet, we’re seeing patterns that echo past slowdowns.
What You Can Do Now
- Talk to your broker and forwarder early.
Share your forecasts and get ahead of cutoffs, space limits, and document readiness. - Diversify your routing when possible.
Consider East Coast or Gulf alternatives, or work with partners who can access alternate entry points. - Be realistic about dwell times and delivery windows.
Drayage capacity is tightening again, especially in Southern California. - Plan for agility, not perfection.
Contingency strategies are the best insurance when the playbook gets rewritten mid-season.
At Coppersmith, we’ve helped clients navigate customs and cargo through strikes, surges, and backlogs for nearly 80 years. Our relationships with ports, terminals, and carriers allow us to build creative solutions when things get tough. If you’re concerned about delays from port congestion, we’re ready to help steady the course.
Your cargo doesn’t need to wait in line. Let’s make a plan now.
