FMC allows revisions to agreement between Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach

The revised agreement would allow collaboration on congestion, transportation infrastructure needs and pollution mitigation.    The Federal Maritime Commission has allowed the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach to modify an agreement that will allow the ports to discuss and agree on projects and programs that address congestion issues, transportation infrastructure needs and reduce pollution caused by port-related activities.
   The Port of Los Angeles said the changes to the agreement first filed with the FMC in 2013 will allow the two ports “to address congestion issues such as establishing initiatives to increase terminal productivity, facilitate chassis availability and usage, and improve drayage truck turn times.”
   “This FMC action will assist us in our efforts to grow cargo and jobs in the nation’s busiest trade gateway,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “We look forward to collaboration and the development of strategies that will benefit both ports as we adjust to the changing dynamics of seaborne trade.”
   The agreement becomes effective today, Feb. 27.
   FMC Chairman Mario Cordero said, “Cooperative agreements among ports who serve a common region are now paramount in order to improve port-related transportation infrastructure and facilitating cargo movement. The Southern California Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, our nation’s largest port complex, are in a unique position as landlord ports to facilitate discussion among all industry stakeholders and work toward solutions to issues facing the ocean transportation industry including the vital question of port congestion.”