YRC sets up dedicated hotline for delayed WC shipments

LTL carrier seeks to help shippers get cargo stuck at congested West Coast ports onto store shelves for spring retail season.    The less-than-truckload carrier YRC Freight has started a new dedicated hotline for businesses with freight delayed at West Coast ports.
   The 24-hour hotline is designed to give callers shipping solutions to avoid additional delays and get merchandise on store shelves in time for the spring retail season.
   Though a tentative agreement on a new five-year contract between the Pacific Maritime Association and International Longshore and Warehouse Union was reached in February, most experts expect shipment delays to continue until May. The executive directors of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach both said last week they expect the backlog of cargo to be cleared in three months.
   “PMA officials continue to reiterate that it will take eight to 12 weeks to clear the backlog of shipments sitting off the West Coast,” said Keith Prather, managing director of Armada Corporate Intelligence. “Many shippers will need to expedite loads once they hit the port to make it in time for the spring retail season.”
   YRC Freight said customers with urgent delivery needs can use air, dedicated equipment and expedited ground services to expedite freight from West Coast ports to points across North America.
   The hotline number is (800) 325-8747.