Logistics is surging, and performance at the ports is improving. In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson explains how the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach broke volume records in 2025 while reducing dwell times from three days to two and a half.
The San Pedro port complex handled 20.1 TEUs (standard twenty-foot container equivalents) in 2025, breaking records! Long Beach port was up by 30% since pre-pandemic, and the Los Angeles port was up by almost 10%. While they increased throughput, their container dwell times decreased within the port complex as well as supporting goods movement. Truck dwell times were at/ near historic lows and rail dwell times went from 6.5 days the year prior to 5.14 in 2025. Shorter dwell times improve lead times and increase efficiencies. In addition, emissions have reduced consistently since 2005.
The reason? Strategic investments and collaborative partnerships. Lisa explains why manufacturers must evaluate who their true partners are and invest wisely to manage growth. As the need for control increases to ensure end-to-end supply chain success, vertical integration, strategic partnerships and strategic ventures are increasing as companies must produce / increase throughput at scale while mitigating risk and remaining profitable. In addition, the ports have made strategic investments in port infrastructure and technology upgrades. Companies that want to succeed with pursue artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, better use of ERP and predictive processes such as SIOP (Sales Inventory Operations Planning). Refer to our complimentary eBooks on rolling out SIOP programs and using AI and advanced technologies for smart supply chains and smarter decisions.
If you are interested in reading more on this topic:
Strategic Partnerships in the Medical Supply Chain