Possible IPI Delay Due to BNSF Ramp Congestion
To: All our valued Customers
A rapid increase in domestic and expedited intermodal volumes out of
Southern California, along with challenges restoring labor availability to
pre-COVID-19 levels, is resulting in severe ramp congestion at BNSF’s Los
Angeles, and Commerce, CA facilities. The congestion is delaying inbound loads
and empties, as well as outbound loads. BNSF is repositioning ramp personnel,
onboarding new ramp employees, and adding third party dray support as quickly
as possible. To expedite the recovery, BNSF is implementing ingate restrictions
for Los Angeles outbound shipments, beginning Wednesday, July 22. An ingate
restriction simply means that the railroad will limit the amount of traffic allowed
to ingate. BNSF’s current restrictions impact eastbound COFC standard shipments
out of Los Angeles and San Bernardino. These restrictions, coupled with the
delayed flows of empty equipment into Southern California, will significantly
reduce rail carriers ability to pick up Southern California outbound shipments
on Wednesday, July 22 through Saturday, July 25. Although restrictions have not
been announced beyond July 25, the current challenges are likely to persist
through at least August 1. Imperial CFS will continue to monitor the situation
and provide updates as they become available.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should there be any questions or
concerns.