Container Traffic Down at the Port of L.A.—Here’s Why That Matters for Truckers

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction

The Port of Los Angeles is often called “America’s gateway to the Pacific.” But right now? That gateway is lookin’ mighty quiet.

Container volumes at the L.A. port are taking a serious dip. And for anyone out here haulin' freight, chasing spot market loads, or keeping an eye on fuel and rate trends—this is more than a coastal problem.

It’s a freight warning light.

This slowdown isn’t just about bad luck. It’s tied to growing trade tension between the U.S. and China—and it’s already trickling down to truckload carriers across the West and beyond.

What’s Actually Happening at the Port

Over the past few months, the Port of Los Angeles has reported a noticeable decline in container throughput. We’re talking double-digit percentage drops in year-over-year imports.

Here’s the short version:

Less stuff is coming in from overseas

Ships are arriving with fewer containers

Terminals are quieter

Yard congestion is easing—not because it’s fixed, but because there’s less freight to move

And for truckers? That means fewer loads leaving the port.

Why the Drop? It’s All About Tariffs & Tensions

This downturn ties directly to the current U.S.-China trade rift. Here's what’s causing the freight faucet to close:

New tariffs on Chinese goods are discouraging importers from ordering as much

Existing trade agreements are under review, creating uncertainty

Some importers are rerouting freight to East Coast or Gulf ports to avoid the West Coast drama

Domestic inventory is still high, meaning less demand for new containers

Long story short? Retailers and manufacturers are playing defense. And that means fewer boxes for port dray drivers and fewer OTR loads heading east from the coast.

Who’s Getting Hit the Hardest?

Not all drivers are feeling it the same. Here’s who's sweating:

1. Port Drayage Drivers: If you’re running short hauls from the docks to nearby warehouses in SoCal, you're probably already seeing longer wait times for fewer loads.

2. Long-Haul Carriers Based in the West: If your routes depend on freight originating from L.A., Long Beach, or Ontario—you may have to dig deeper into the spot board or accept weaker rates.

3. Owner-Operators: Independent haulers working under their own authority—especially those with limited broker access—are seeing increased competition for every outbound box.

What Smart Truckers Are Doing Right Now

If this port slowdown has your wheels parked longer than you’d like, here’s how to pivot:

Follow the Freight Shift – More shippers are routing to Houston, Savannah, and Newark. Consider repositioning or working with dispatchers focused on those markets.

Diversify Your Load Sources – If you're stuck in a single region or working off one app, it’s time to expand. Load boards like DAT or TruckSmarter can help spot new lanes.

Look at Contracted Freight – In down markets, consistency beats chasing peaks. It may be time to explore dedicated routes or regional contracts with larger carriers.

Stay Lean on Expenses – When freight slows, fuel efficiency, downtime, and smart routing become your lifelines.

This ain’t the time to chase unicorn loads. It’s the time to tighten up and outthink the next guy.

The Bigger Picture

Here’s what industry analysts are watching:

China trade policy isn’t stabilizing any time soon

Political shifts ahead of U.S. elections could further impact tariff structures

Shippers are diversifying—bringing goods in from India, Vietnam, and Mexico instead

This means the Port of L.A. may not bounce back quickly. We’re in a new era of global supply chain routes—and that reshapes how and where freight moves in America.

Bottom Line

The slowdown at the Port of Los Angeles is more than a blip on a chart. It’s a freight shift in real time.

Truckers—especially those tied to West Coast lanes—need to stay alert, stay mobile, and stay flexible.

There’s still money to be made. But you may need to chase it somewhere new, run smarter loads, or ride it out until volume comes back. Because if the ships don’t dock, the wheels don’t roll.

🚨 Call to Action
Don’t wait until your wheels stop turning to figure out your next move.

👉 Head over to LifeAsATrucker.com for freight trend updates and survival tips
👉 Or start building your off-duty game plan at RetireFromTrucking.com—because freight may slow, but your future shouldn’t