Los Angeles-Long Beach is moving slowly toward a dual system of drayage in which some drivers are becoming unionized employees, while others prefer to remain independent contractors. Eventually, the result could be a sufficient pool of drivers to serve the 13 container terminals in the largest U.S. port complex, resulting in service and pricing consistency for the shippers that depend on harbor drivers.
Major container gateways on both coasts have struggled with driver shortages as workers left harbor work to find better-paying jobs in other industries such as construction. Other drivers have chosen to remain in harbor drayage, but have held demonstrations and strikes for higher wages, better working conditions, and, in some cases, the right to unionize. Los Angeles-Long Beach the past three years has been the epicenter of organizing efforts by the Teamsters union.