UP receiving cargo 24/7 near L.A., Long Beach ports

Union Pacific Railroad has extended the operating time of its intermodal container transfer facility (ITCF) near the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to 24/7 to help ease cargo congestion.

Effective Oct. 17, UP increased trucks' gate access to the ITCF by about 20 hours a week.

"This expands access for customers to move freight in and out of ICTF early on Sunday mornings and late Sunday evenings into early Monday morning to support the ports of Los Angeles' and Long Beach's recent move to 24/7 operations," said UP spokeswoman Robynn Tysver in an email.

The pandemic has stressed global intermodal supply chains, creating widespread congestion and impacting operations, she said.

"Union Pacific is just one piece of the puzzle and situated in the middle of the supply chain between ocean carriers and shippers who control the critical 'first mile, last mile," Tysver said. "While the middle miles remain fluid, we continue to proactively work with customers to address the congestion."