A proposed rule that would require truck drivers working the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to provide proof of ownership or lease for all private chassis — or else be sent for a safety inspection prior to picking up cargo — would needlessly increase the gateway’s already high truck turn times, according to trucking companies.
Truckers this week are pushing back on the proposal, which was made by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) in concert with waterfront employers represented by the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and due to be implemented on Wednesday. But the start date has been delayed while the sides attempt to negotiate a resolution.
The requirement to show proof of ownership or lease for private chassis is due to affect truckers calling at five marine terminals — Everport, TraPac and Yusen at the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach Container Terminal and Total Terminals in Long Beach.
“To ensure a smooth and efficient out-gate transaction, we kindly request that drivers have these documents accessible when leaving TTI premises,” Total Terminals said in a customer notice last Friday that was obtained by the Journal of Commerce. “This proactive measure will help prevent any potential issues or delays.”
The paperwork provided by truckers must include the chassis number to be accepted.
Truckers and officials from the PMA met on Tuesday and were scheduled to continue talks on Wednesday to mediate the disagreement. The Harbor Trucking Association (HTA), ILWU and PMA did not respond to a request for comment.
Truckers warn of rising turn times
Truckers say implementing the paperwork measure would push average truck turn times in Los Angeles-Long Beach, already among the highest in the US, even higher. The average truck turn time in Los Angeles and Long Beach was 74 minutes in October and has been more than an hour in all but two months since January 2019, according to data from the HTA.
Details please refer to the JOC news.
Source:
Ashe, A. (2023, December 13). Truckers fighting ilwu, LA-lb terminal operators over chassis paperwork proposal. Journal of Commerce. https://www.joc.com/article/truckers-fighting-ilwu-la-lb-terminal-operators-over-chassis-paperwork-proposal_20231213.html