Port Of Los Angeles Operating 24/7 To Address Supply Chain Issues

President Biden on Wednesday addressed ongoing supply chain problems, as major retailers warn of shortages and price hikes during the upcoming holiday season. The White House says plans are in place to increase capacity at major California ports and with large goods carriers, including Walmart, FedEx and UPS.

Biden announced that the Port of Los Angeles has agreed to essentially double its hours and go to 24/7 operations. In doing so, it's joining the Port of Long Beach, which launched similar nighttime and weekend shifts a few weeks ago.

Members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union have said they are willing to work extra shifts, the White House says.

"This is the first key step," Biden said, "to moving our entire freight transportation and logistical supply chain nationwide to a 24/7 system."

Together, the two California ports handle about 40% of the container traffic that enters the United States.

Biden also touted agreements the White House has brokered with private sector entities to get goods flowing again.

"Today's announcement has the potential to be a game changer," Biden said. Noting that "goods won't move by themselves," he added the major retailers and freight haulers need to "step up as well."

Biden announced that three of the largest goods carriers — Walmart, FedEx and UPS are taking steps to move toward 24/7 operations.

Read the full article on NPR here.