US Port Congestion Pushes Container Vessel Waits to 18 Hours

Container terminals at several major US gateways are facing vessel delays, with waiting times reaching up to 18 hours at Charleston, highlighting renewed congestion across parts of the US port network. The delays are adding pressure to vessel schedules and terminal operations as carriers contend with longer berth waiting times. Congestion at key gateways can also have knock-on effects on container availability, inland transportation and overall schedule reliability. Charleston is currently among the US terminals reporting extended vessel waits, with delays of up to 18 hours. The situation reflects operational pressure at major container gateways as terminals manage vessel arrivals and cargo flows. For shipping lines and cargo owners, prolonged vessel waiting times can increase port-related costs and disrupt planned sailing schedules. Any sustained congestion could also affect downstream trucking and rail movements as containers take longer to move through terminals. The latest delays underline the importance of monitoring berth availability and port operating conditions as carriers and shippers plan US-bound container services.