Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Congestion Causes 6 Mile Lines at NY/NJ Ports

The Port of New York and New Jersey is facing costly delays for truckers and cargo owners as record imports come through, according to a report on JOC.com.

by Staff
April 10, 2015
Congestion Causes 6 Mile Lines at NY/NJ Ports

The terminals that make up the Ports of New York and New Jersey. Graphic via Ports of New York and New Jersey

2 min to read


The terminals that make up the Ports of New York and New Jersey. Graphic via Ports of New York and New Jersey

The Port of New York and New Jersey is facing costly delays for truckers and cargo owners as record imports come through, according to a report on JOC.com.

As a result, lines as long as six miles stretch out from terminals and local highways are gridlocked with truck traffic.

Ad Loading...

The ports have been delayed for weeks now as both have begun handling larger ships and extra vessels, which were deployed to the area to compensate for the recent West Coast port problems.

Unlike the West Coast port delays, which were caused by labor disputes with the Longshoremen’s Union, blame for the delays is being spread around. Trucking companies are blaming it on ports taking in too much volume and the terminals are blaming it on truck volume surges.

Large ships often compound the problem as the large amounts of cargo they deposit at one time puts a premium on the speed of pickup. Containers are initially allowed to remain on the dock for free but are charged fees the longer they remain. Fees for containers can reach as high as $355 per day after nine days and refrigerated cargo is charged even more, according to JOC.com.

Ad Loading...

This causes surges in trucks arriving at terminals as trucking companies compete to offload the expiring cargo as quickly as possible. The trucks line up ahead of gate hours to get an early start on pickups and to maximize the amount of runs in a day. That causes massive traffic backups throughout the day.

More Fleet Management

Geotab screen on AI concept background
Fleet ManagementJune 17, 2026

What Geotab's New AI Connector Means for Fleets

Fleets can now ask their usual AI assistants questions about maintenance, safety, fuel use, and vehicle performance, using their live Geotab data, and take action on the answers without leaving their preferred AI tool.

Read More →
Image of computer screen with BidBoardX interface

New C.H. Robinson Tool Opens Door to More Predictable Freight

BidBoardX lets carriers search, bid on, and secure committed freight opportunities through a single digital marketplace.

Read More →
Amazon electric cargo bike on New York City street
Fleet ManagementJune 15, 2026

New York City's Microhub Project is Delivering Results

Trucking, last-mile delivery companies, and environmental advocates like what they are seeing so far with New York's microhub program.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of hourglass and trucks backed up to a dock
DriversJune 15, 2026

Why Truck Detention Keeps Costing Fleets Time and Money

A 2024 ATRI study found detention affects nearly 40% of truckload stops and costs the industry more than $15 billion annually. Despite the toll on drivers, fleets, and supply chains, the problem remains stubbornly persistent.

Read More →
Panel discussion
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeJune 12, 2026

Time is Running Out to Apply for Exclusive HDT Event

Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange brings fleet managers and suppliers together for the deeper conversations that lead to ideas, partnerships, and solutions. Time is running out to apply for the September event.

Read More →
Empty trailer with worker loading a pallet of cargo
Fleet ManagementJune 10, 2026

Amazon Launches Less-Than-Truckload Freight Offering for All Businesses   

This launch is the latest addition to Amazon Supply Chain Services, a portfolio of supply chain capabilities from Amazon, including freight, distribution, fulfillment, and parcel shipping.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Stacks of intermodal containers at port with truck driving between them

Import Cargo Volume to See Year-Over-Year Gain Again in June, Then Remain Below 2025 Levels Into Fall

After July, the report predicts a weakening in import volume as consumer uncertainty remains high and the impact of increasing inflation takes its toll.

Read More →
Equity Interest Auction
SponsoredJune 8, 2026

AUCTION OF EQUITY INTEREST IN HEAVY HAUL TRUCKING COMPANY!!

Mark your calendar: June 30, 2026 (10:00 a.m. PDT). A 37.5% ownership interest in MagnaTrans, LLC, a California limited liability company doing business as Magna Transportation Group, will be sold in an in-person and online auction to the highest bidder or bidders under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. The Rancho Cucamonga-based heavy haul and over-dimensional trucking company operates across California, Oregon, and Arizona.

Read More →
Volvo OTA updates.

Volvo Trucks Adds Unattended Over-the-Air Software Update Capabilities

The latest evolution of Volvo’s over-the-air update technology allows software updates to run while trucks are parked, helping fleets keep vehicles current without disrupting operations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Podcast thumbnail illustration
Fleet ManagementJune 4, 2026

How Waste Connections is Using Data, Telematics, and AI

How do you manage and maintain more than 18,000 connected trucks? Data. Lots of it.

Read More →