ports

Air Cargo Bottleneck Constrains Peak Season Relief as Ocean Capacity Tightens

Shippers facing tight ocean capacity during an unexpectedly early 2026 peak season are exploring air cargo alternatives, but capacity constraints are limiting their options. The National Retail Federation confirmed this month that peak retail import season arrived ahead of schedule, with June boxed import forecasts revised upward. Los Angeles port projects container throughput exceeding 900,000 teu this month, following a 17% May increase to 840,165 teu. Retailers are front-loading merchandise ahead of anticipated tariff and fuel cost increases beginning in August. Year-to-date demand is up 4%, driven by strong Asia Pacific export momentum, while vessel utilization has tightened and ocean freight rates remain elevated. The surge is expected to extend into July before softening once inventory replenishment concludes, signaling a compressed peak season compared to historical patterns.