Customer Advisory: Los Angeles/Long Beach Port Operations, Vincent Thomas Bridge Closure and Potential Labor Disruption

APL Logistics is closely monitoring two developments that may affect cargo movement through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach: the upcoming closure of the Vincent Thomas Bridge and continuing labor negotiations involving International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26.

Vincent Thomas Bridge Closure

The Vincent Thomas Bridge (State Route 47), which connects San Pedro with Terminal Island, is scheduled to close in both directions beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The closure is expected to last approximately 16 months, with reopening targeted for early March 2028, as Caltrans replaces the bridge deck and completes other infrastructure and safety improvements.

The Port of Los Angeles reports that all port terminals will remain open, with no expected direct impact to terminal operations, cargo productivity, flow or capacity. Rail cargo is also not expected to be affected by the bridge closure. Approximately 8% of port-complex drayage truck traffic currently uses the Vincent Thomas Bridge, however, meaning rerouted truck traffic could contribute to increased roadway congestion and longer transit times.

Caltrans has designated I-710, I-110, SR-103 and Harry Bridges Boulevard as primary detour routes and has implemented traffic-management measures including roadway improvements, traffic cameras, temporary signals and traffic-control officers at key intersections.

Customers should anticipate the possibility of longer and less predictable drayage transit times, particularly during terminal gate hours, commute periods and shift changes. Carrier guidance also notes that landside congestion could increase the risk of missed appointments or additional accessorial costs.

Potential Labor Disruption

Separately, the immediate threat of a labor stoppage at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach has been temporarily postponed. ILWU Local 26 and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) extended their contract through midnight Pacific Time on Friday, November 6, with negotiations continuing with assistance from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

As of the latest information available, no strike action has been announced and port operations are continuing.

However, the potential for disruption remains should the parties fail to reach an agreement. The negotiations involve approximately 250 ILWU Local 26 watchmen, and PMA reports that a work stoppage could affect terminals handling roughly 85% of Port of Long Beach cargo and 33% of Port of Los Angeles cargo. Other ILWU-represented workers could honor potential picket lines, creating broader impacts to vessel, yard and gate operations at affected terminals.

Potential Customer Impact

With the bridge closure beginning as labor negotiations continue, customers moving cargo through the Los Angeles/Long Beach gateway should be prepared for potential:

• Increased roadway congestion and longer drayage transit times
• Greater variability in container pickup and delivery schedules
• Increased risk of missed terminal appointments
• Possible storage, detention or other accessorial exposure resulting from transportation delays
• Additional operational disruption should labor negotiations result in strike activity

APL Logistics recommends customers prioritize available container pickups and returns, confirm terminal appointments and free-time deadlines, and allow additional transit time for drayage movements through the San Pedro Bay port complex. Industry guidance similarly recommends maintaining contingency plans while the labor situation remains unresolved.

APL Logistics Response

APL Logistics continues to monitor port operations, terminal conditions, roadway congestion and developments in the ILWU Local 26/PMA negotiations. We are working with our transportation and operational partners to assess potential impacts to customer shipments and will provide updates as conditions develop.

Customers with questions regarding specific shipments should contact their APL Logistics representative.

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Sincerely,

APL Logistics

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Sources

• Caltrans: 16-Month Closure of Vincent Thomas Bridge Set for Nov. [dot.ca.gov]
• Port of Los Angeles: Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement Project [portoflosangeles.org]
• Caltrans: 16-Month Closure of Vincent Thomas Bridge Now Set for November 7 [dot.ca.gov]
• Maersk: Vincent Thomas Bridge Full Closure, San Pedro Bay Port Complex [maersk.com]

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