Port squeeze threatens US retailers' holiday stocking plans

Chicago

A SHORTAGE of transportation equipment and possible labour disruptions at the Los Angeles/Long Beach port complex, the nation's busiest, is delaying shipping containers for up to three weeks, threatening timely delivery to retailers for the holiday season.

The delays are affecting retailers including JC Penney Co, Macy's Inc, Kohl's Corp Nordstrom Inc, American Eagle, Ralph Lauren and Carter's, according to three people with direct knowledge of the situation.

Retail giant Walmart Stores Inc, recently diverted 300 shipment containers to Oakland to avoid the congestion, one person said. Walmart declined comment.

The problem stems from a shortage of trucking equipment, called chassis, but the National Retail Federation in a statement said that protracted labour negotiations were an issue, too. The International Longshor…