Cargo Delays Persist Off California Coast

The supply chain crisis that has gripped U.S. retailers since the beginning of the pandemic shows no sign of abating, reports Business Insider. As of Friday, 33 ships were anchored off the coast of Los Angeles and Long Beach waiting to dock and unload their cargo.

These two ports reportedly account for one-third of U.S. imports and have been extremely congested, according to the Marine Exchange of Southern California. Half of the ships are classified as “mega-container” ships, which can carry up to 10,000 TEUs.

Delays reached an all-time high in February 2021, but are reportedly approaching that number again. Ships carry a variety of consumer goods, including furniture, auto parts, clothing and electronics.