UIPA, Port of Long Beach sign agreement

The Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) and the Port of Long Beach have signed an agreement to work together to improve the flow of cargo to and from the major California gateway and the Utah logistics system. This is UIPA’s second agreement with a West Coast international port that strengthens the connection and efficiency for goods movement.

The cooperative agreement focuses on reducing congestion and cost associated with cargo movement through the corridor by optimizing the existing on- and near-dock rail system of the Port of Long Beach to reduce dwell times and improve the speed and consistency of rail deliveries to and from Utah. UIPA will, in turn, develop transloading capacity within its jurisdiction to enhance import fluidity and increase export capacity from Utah businesses.

“This partnership is another critical connection as we work to streamline logistics for Utah and the Intermountain West,” said Jack Hedge, executive director of Utah Inland Port Authority. “Working directly with the Port of Long Beach creates a synergy and stability that opens opportunities for Utah businesses to move goods more efficiently.”

The Port of Long Beach is a leading gateway for international trade and a vital part of the nation’s supply chain that reaches every region in the United States, Hedge said. Driven by pandemic recovery and increased online sales, the Port of Long Beach recorded its strongest April in history, moving 746,188 twenty-foot- equivalent units.

“This agreement is vital to the port’s strategic goals to diversify exports and create new partnerships that will help alleviate the unprecedented cargo surge we’ve experienced since last summer,” said Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach. “Our enhanced on-dock rail facilities will be crucial in delivering cargo to Utah while also strengthening the port’s competitiveness and reducing emissions.”

Reducing air pollution and improving energy efficiency are key components of the agreement, with both the Port Authority and Port of Long Beach working together on emerging and innovative fuel and energy technologies to deploy along the corridors connecting the two entities.

“We are looking forward to collaborating with the Utah Inland Port Authority,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna.