Port shipping container backlogs have made significant progress since the start of 2022. At one point, a record 109-ship backlog in California is now down to just eight, an record low. So, what have been the drivers behind the positive turnaround?

• The East and South Coast ports, particularly the Port of Savannah, Port of Houston and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have seen an uptick in demand
• Spreading out congestion has helped alleviate labor strike potential (though California wants it back)

Container costs have also taken a positive return, down to roughly $5,250 on the West Coast ($14,000 in January) and $9,215 on the East Coast ($16,000 in January). While there is still a lot of work to be done to get back to normal shipping times and costs, the latest reports are a step in the right direction.

Read more on the shipping improvements on both coasts.