LTL carrier YRC Freight established a dedicated phone “hotline” this week specifically for businesses with freight delayed at West Coast ports.
The hotline – 800-325-8747 and manned 24/7 – is designed to provide shipping solutions that will help shippers avoid additional delays and get merchandise on store shelves in time for the spring retail season, noted Howard Moshier, the carrier’s senior VP-operations, in a statement.
“In order to get the supply chain moving again and help avoid additional revenue loss, we are ready with time and cost effective shipping options," he explained.
Moshier added that both current and new YRC customers calling the hotline can take advantage of air, dedicated equipment, and expedited ground services to expedite freight from West Coast ports to points across North America.
He noted that YRC’s delivery windows range from "by noon" and "by 5 p.m." for expedited service, along with a one to a 24-hour arrival window.
Keith Prather, managing director for consulting firm Armada Corporate Intelligence, emphasized that even though a tentative agreement on a new five-year contract between the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) has been reached at the West Coast ports, shipment delays will continue.
"PMA officials continue to reiterate that it will take eight to 12 weeks to clear the backlog of shipments sitting off the West Coast,” he said in a statement. “Many shippers will need to expedite loads once they hit the port to make it in time for the spring retail season.”
