Long Beach seeks bids for peak season chassis fleet

The Southern California port plans to acquire 3,000 container chassis in two steps.    The Port of Long Beach will seek bids on the creation of a new fleet of container chassis for peak periods of the year, complementing the existing equipment used to haul cargo containers to and from terminals.
   “It’s not enough for us to be a passive landlord; the industry needs the Port to be involved in helping our terminals to be more productive,” said Harbor Commission President Doug Drummond.
   The port plans to implement the peak chassis fleet in two phases, starting with 1,000 chassis and later adding another 2,000 chassis.
   “Our peak chassis pool will not compete with private fleets, but will complement the supply of chassis during those times when it is needed,” said Port Chief Executive Jon Slangerup. “It’s one of several actions we’re taking to ensure that we mitigate congestion during the upcoming peak season.”
   Last October, the Board of Harbor Commissioners voted to approve Slangerup’s plan to develop a stand-by fleet of chassis that can be introduced to the market during peak periods.
   The Port will hold a meeting for potential bidders 10 a.m. Thursday, May 21, at the port’s offices at 4801 Airport Plaza Drive, Long Beach, 90815. The deadline for bids is 10 a.m. June 2. For more information go to the port’s “PlanetBids” system.