Coffee and Conversation is an educational audio series brought to you by the Import Vehicle Community of the Auto Care Association. Our goal is to engage our membership by addressing issues and challenges facing our members and the automotive aftermarket.
The topic for this episode of Coffee and Conversation is challenges importers are facing due to logistical issues unfolding at the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach.
The episode features a conversation between Steve Hughes, president and CEO, HCS International, Kenneth O'Brien, COO, Gemini Shippers Association and Weston LaBar CEO, Harbor Truckers Association, and covers:
Spike in imports as businesses reopen from COVID-19 shutdowns;
Increase in shipping rates at nearly triple spot rates since April 2020 for container imports from Asia; and
Massive inefficiencies at the ports/terminals causing a chassis, demurrage and detention crisis.