What's Going on With US Ports? | Are US Ports Ghost Towns? | Is Cargo Sailing from China?

Summary

This video addresses the current situation at U.S. ports, focusing on concerns raised about cargo ships, particularly those arriving from China. It debunks claims of empty ports, using ship tracking data to show that ships are still arriving, albeit with lighter loads. The video highlights discrepancies between social media posts and real-time data from port authorities like the Port of LA, and stresses the importance of verifying information from reliable sources. While cargo volumes are down, the video provides a thorough analysis of shipping activity, especially in the context of tariffs and the impact on major ports.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Port of Seattle is not 'dead,' as claimed by some social media posts; ships are still operating there, with several scheduled to dock.
• 😀 Contrary to claims about a complete stop in shipments from China, cargo ships from China are still heading to the United States, albeit with lighter loads.
• 😀 Ship tracking apps like MarineTraffic and VesselFinder allow users to monitor global shipping activity and verify claims about ports' operations.
• 😀 The Port of Los Angeles provides real-time data on cargo operations, including vessel schedules, container volumes, and trucking activity.
• 😀 Despite predictions of a significant decline, the Port of Los Angeles still sees a large number of ships arriving, though the volume is lower than previous years.
• 😀 There has been a decline in cargo shipments from China, particularly after the tariff season, with a 35% drop in expected cargo at the Port of Los Angeles for the coming weeks.
• 😀 The Port of LA handles about 40% of the U.S.'s inbound cargo, with similar major ports like Long Beach also experiencing lower cargo volumes due to reduced imports from China.
• 😀 Many social media claims about empty ports are misleading or incomplete; it's essential to cross-reference data from credible sources like official port websites and shipping apps.
• 😀 The shipping industry is currently dealing with 'blank sailings,' where some scheduled vessels are canceled, leading to a slight decrease in shipping volumes.
• 😀 Major U.S. ports, including Seattle, Tacoma, Houston, and Savannah, are still receiving vessels, but the quantity and cargo volumes are fluctuating based on market conditions and shipping schedules.

Q & A

What is the primary claim made by Houston Wade regarding US ports?

Houston Wade claims that no international cargo ships are arriving at US ports, particularly pointing out that the last Chinese ship will dock on the West Coast by April 29th and the East Coast by May 10th, after which no ships from China will be arriving.

How does the script suggest verifying the claims about US ports being empty?

The script suggests using ship tracking apps, such as Marine Traffic, to monitor the ships' movements and check the actual vessel schedules for US ports.

What role do ship tracking apps play in verifying port activity?

Ship tracking apps like Marine Traffic or Vessel Finder help users see real-time data on cargo ships, including which ships are coming to US ports, how many ships are in transit, and the volume of cargo being carried.

What was the key observation about ships arriving from China?

Despite claims that no ships from China are arriving, the script highlights that ships from China are indeed en route to the US, though some are carrying lighter loads than usual.

What information does the Northwest Seaport Alliance provide about the Port of Seattle?

The Northwest Seaport Alliance reports that four ships are currently at berth in Seattle and Tacoma, with eight vessels having departed in the last seven days and 28 vessels scheduled to arrive in the next seven days.

How does the Port of Los Angeles provide transparency about its operations?

The Port of LA provides detailed real-time data through a cargo operations dashboard, offering daily reports, container dwell times, vessel schedules, and trucking information, making it one of the most transparent ports in the US.

What are blank sailings, and how are they affecting US ports?

Blank sailings refer to scheduled vessels that do not depart. About 10% of vessels are not sailing, leading to a reduction in cargo volume and contributing to the lighter loads of ships arriving at US ports.

What is the impact of tariffs on cargo arriving from China?

Cargo loaded after April 9th is subject to a 145% tariff, which is causing a noticeable decline in the volume of cargo arriving at US ports, especially from China.

How do the first-quarter volumes of cargo for 2025 compare to 2024?

The first-quarter volumes of cargo in 2025 showed a slight uptick compared to the same period in 2024, likely due to front-loading of cargo before the new tariffs took effect.

What is the expected cargo decline at the Port of Los Angeles?

The Port of Los Angeles expects a 35% decline in cargo volumes for the week of April 29th, 2025, due to the cessation of shipments from major Chinese retailers and manufacturers.