Chassis problems likely to flare up again when volumes rise

The latest Port Rail Ramp Freight Index, produced by ITS Logistics, shows flows through US ports have returned to normal, but chassis availability at inland rail ramps is low, giving cause for concern that a rise in traffic will revive the problem.

Moreover, the stalemate in contract negotiations between port labour and terminal operators on the west coast may drag on until volumes pick up again, which is a major cause for concern, ITS warns.

While the index rates the situation at the ocean terminals as normal, inland rail ramps both in the eastern and western US are classified as “moderate”, largely due to the availability of chassis. Domestic 53ft units are readily available, but chassis for ocean containers are in tight supply at inland points, which is a big concern, noted Paul Brashier, VP of drayage and intermodal.