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Florida to cargo ships: Come here to avoid California port logjam
Florida is encouraging shipping firms to consider the state’s 15 seaports as cargo ships remain backed up, waiting for open port space, in Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif.
Florida Ports Council President and CEO Michael Rubin issued a release Wednesday arguing that Florida ports could be a more efficient alternative to move consumer goods crossing the Pacific Ocean to either the East Coast or even the Midwest.
“With inflation growing, shipping and manufacturing industries can save time and money by calling on Florida ports,” Rubin wrote. “Why pay to moor off the coast of California, when Florida shipping lanes are open and serving as the gateway for getting goods to America’s market.”
Supply chains have struggled to keep up with increased consumer demand for products amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Rubin said more than 60 cargo ships were moored off the coast of California, and the situation could continue into the year-end holidays.
On its website, the Port of Los Angeles reported all terminals were open and operational, with 24 vessels in port Wednesday.
“Labor crews working on 18 container ships, one tanker and three dry bulk carriers. Also in port: 2 cruise ships,” the port’s website said.
The Port of Long Beach on Wednesday retweeted a CNN report about the slowdown in supply chains, highlighting comments by port executive director Mario Cordero that, "We need an Amazon state of mind,” arguing for 24-hour operations.
