Ports, truckers contend with chassis shortage

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Here’s a familiar turn of events. Hardly have the terminals on the US west coast begun to clear the congestion, but now containers are building up on the east coast – although this time the issue is blamed squarely on the constricted chassis situation. There was supposed to be a grey pool, similar to that created in LA-Long Beach, but it would appear there are more obstacles. Truckers are blaming a lack of chassis investment by leasing companies – in lieu of shipping lines – while leasing companies respond that it’s not the number of chassis that’s the issue, but the number of mechanics to maintain them. Whichever, as peak season kicks into gear, congestion levels are almost certain to grow