Ports of LA/LB to Return to 6 pm Start For 2nd Shift

LONG BEACH, Calif. (March 5, 2021) – Marine terminal operators and the ILWU have reached an agreement to return to standard gate hours at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, effective this weekend. Beginning Saturday, March 6, the second shift will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 3 a.m. Pacific Time. The first shift will continue to start at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time and end at 5 p.m.

Today’s announcement marks a return to standard gate hours at the San Pedro Bay Port Complex. Shortly after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, the second shift was temporarily delayed by one hour to allow extra time for equipment cleaning. Since that time, improved protocols and new technology have been introduced that allow for more efficient cleaning and disinfecting of port terminals, while continuing to meet or exceed local health regulations and CDC guidelines. Moving the second shift start time to 6 p.m. will increase efficiencies for the trucking industry.

“We have learned a great deal about COVID-19 safety since March of last year, and we are pleased that cleaning protocols have been expedited at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach without any loss of quality or effectiveness in order to protect worker health,” said Michele Grubbs, Vice President, Pacific Merchant Shipping Association. “We are grateful for the full cooperation of the ILWU on adjusting gate hours at port terminals, which have remained open for business throughout the pandemic to provide vital support for America’s supply chain and our economy.”

COVID-19 prevention measures, including mask requirements and social distancing rules, remain in effect at all port terminals.

From: The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) is an independent, not-for-profit association focused on global trade. PMSA operates offices in Oakland, Long Beach and Seattle, and represents owners and operators of marine terminals and U.S. and foreign vessels operating throughout the world.

Please contact your Western Overseas representative if you have any questions.