A severe winter storm sweeping across large parts of the United States is causing operational disruptions at several major U.S. ports, particularly along the East Coast and the Gulf region.
Strong winds, heavy snowfall, and icy conditions have reduced terminal productivity and slowed vessel movements. Ports including New York/New Jersey, Baltimore, Norfolk, and Houston have reported delays in berthing schedules, gate operations, and inland transportation connections.
Terminal operators have implemented safety measures, including temporary suspensions of crane operations during high winds and restricted truck access due to icy roads. These measures, while necessary, are contributing to longer vessel waiting times and cargo backlogs.
Shipping lines and freight forwarders warn that the weather-related disruptions may lead to rolling delays in vessel schedules over the coming days. Importers and exporters are advised to closely monitor estimated times of arrival (ETA) and departure (ETD), as well as potential changes to cargo cut-off times.
Logistics providers also report challenges in intermodal connections, as rail and trucking services are affected by the same weather system. This could further extend delivery timelines for cargo moving inland from U.S. ports.
Authorities expect gradual improvement once weather conditions stabilize, but caution that residual congestion may persist even after ports resume normal operations