MSC: Rail operators restrict import rail traffic into USA

Due to the record import WW volumes into USA and their continuous impact on the USA intermodal supply chain, rail operators have started to meter inland inbound trains from both WEST and EAST coast ocean terminals.

West Coast

Effective Sunday, July 18, 2021, and for the next two weeks, MSC rail vendor (BNSF) is reducing import rail traffic from the U.S. West Coast ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Oakland and Tacoma currently remain unaffected. This will impact the delivery of on-board or discharged cargoes to Chicago, as cargo will be held at marine terminals until the restriction is abated. As a result, any change of destination may prove difficult given these challenging circumstances.

East Coast

Effective Sunday, July 18, 2021, until further notice, MSC rail operator have started to meter:

• From New York to Chicago,
  
• From New York to Cleveland,
  
• From New York to Indianapolis.
  

If current scenario does not improve, these temporary measures may very well spread to other ramps.