138 shippers were surveyed by joc.om. The results: “they plan to ship less cargo through U.S. West Coast ports.” Many say they plan to divert shipments away from West Coast Ports following congestion issues and shutdowns. With long delays impacting business supply chains, many shippers say that they have no choice but to find alternative routes. The risks are too high. Some shippers in the agricultural sector do not have a choice though and they will need to continue to use the ports.

Who will benefit from this?

“U.S. East Coast ports are poised to be the biggest beneficiaries of the surveyed shippers’ frustration with West Coast congestion, as 38.8 percent of those planning to reroute cargo say they will send the freight to the opposing coast. “

How will local production be impacted?

According to the article on joc.com (link is below) port congestion may prompt more shippers to source products “closer to the United States or within the country itself, as they face a “cycle” of potential disruptions.”

Full Article: http://www.joc.com/maritime-news/trade-lanes/65-percent-shippers-surveyed-say-they%E2%80%99ll-divert-west-coast_20150225.html?mgs1=ec23jlfyfc