Record-breaking holiday demand and labor shortages have led to severe congestion at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, worsening the supply chain crisis

The holiday season at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, the busiest shipping complex in the United States, has always been busy. However, the chaos of 2021 has far exceeded typical levels due to a combination of pandemic-driven consumer demand, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages.

The result has been an unprecedented backlog, with ships idling offshore and towering stacks of containers clogging the dockyards. Inside, thousands of workers have been unloading goods around the clock, sending items like televisions, bicycles, and medical supplies to waiting trucks and trains. These products then make their way to warehouses and eventually stores, where they meet eager consumers.