Temporary Closure of Import Bookings Destined for Fort Worth, TX

October 03, 2022 - Update 02

Now Accepting New Import Bookings Destined for Fort Worth, Texas.

We are once again accepting new import bookings destined for Fort Worth, Texas, as we expect container dwell times to improve in the coming weeks. In early September we had shared an advisory that announced the need to temporarily suspend bookings to Fort Worth due to excessive dwell periods. As of today, the average dwell time in the ramp has been reduced by approximately 20 percent in the last four weeks. Given the facility’s progress in clearing its backlog, we are able to serve the Fort Worth market once again from our main gateways in the Gulf and the Pacific Southwest where we have been able to increase eastbound capacity and reduce dwell time.

In continuing our support of the wider regional market, we will partner with BNSF to decongest the Alliance Ramp at Fort Worth by draying cargo off-dock. In addition, Maersk can also assist customers with transload solutions in Houston to expedite seasonal cargo flowing into the region.

We greatly appreciate continued support from cargo owners to pick up their freight in Fort Worth and return empty containers and chassis as quickly as possible so we can continue to make progress on improving the performance and reliability of this important regional supply chain hub.

We appreciate your understanding of our efforts and thank you for your continued support.

September 02, 2022 - Update 01

Please be advised that we will unfortunately have to stop accepting new import bookings destined for Fort Worth, Texas with immediate effect. With average container dwell time in Fort Worth now sitting at 30 days, up from 6 days in May, it has become necessary that we restrict booking acceptance and begin to meter flows from our main gateways in the Pacific Southwest and the Gulf until the backlog is cleared. The main rail ramps and container yards in the Dallas-Fort Worth have been experiencing severe congestion and/or shortage of chassis which has severely limited our options to serve this market.

For containers waiting to be railed to Fort Worth in Los Angeles/Long Beach, we encourage you to consider diverting to a local delivery or holding the container in temporary storage until you are able to receive the same in Fort Worth. Maersk can assist in providing off-dock storage solutions in the Los Angeles/Long Beach area and will work with terminal operators to make containers available for local pick up if you are able to arrange your own transportation. Naturally, we will also continue to work with our rail partners to move as many containers as possible to Fort Worth as space becomes available at the rail ramp.

For new bookings, please consider routing the cargo to Los Angeles/Long Beach or Houston for local delivery or, alternatively, diverting to other distribution centers across the U.S. until the situation in Fort Worth improves. We expect congestion will persist for several weeks so please take the necessary precautions when planning your cargo flows.

We also request your continued support in using the chassis in your possession to pick up full containers at the Fort Worth ramp as they become accessible. Currently a bare chassis will be required to pick up full loads that are grounded, but the situation remains fluid, and dual transactions may be reinstated once space becomes available. Please ensure your trucker verifies status with the railroad before dispatching their trucks.

For questions or further guidance, please contact your local customer experience or sales representative who will be glad to assist.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.