The US logistics network is experiencing significant disruptions due to extreme weather conditions, intensified customs inspections, and operational challenges at major fulfillment centers. These issues are severely impacting delivery timelines for Amazon and Walmart sellers nationwide.
Texas Flooding Cripples Transportation Networks
Persistent heavy rainfall has caused catastrophic flooding across Texas and neighboring states, paralyzing major transportation arteries. Critical routes serving Amazon fulfillment centers—including the DFW facility in Dallas-Fort Worth and HOU warehouse in Houston—have sustained direct impacts. Transportation officials estimate prolonged delays for inbound shipments and last-mile deliveries as crews work to repair damaged infrastructure.
DOT Safety Inspections Reduce East Coast Capacity
The Department of Transportation has launched extensive safety compliance checks throughout Eastern states, focusing on driver credentials and vehicle standards. The rigorous enforcement has prompted many carriers to temporarily suspend operations, with Chinese-speaking drivers particularly affected due to language barriers. This capacity reduction is expected to extend delivery windows throughout the region.
Customs Focuses on Valuation and Importer Verification
US Customs has significantly increased inspection rates at multiple ports, with Jacksonville, Houston, Baltimore, Dallas, Miami, Norfolk, Savannah, and Los Angeles experiencing the most pronounced scrutiny. Key examination priorities include:
- Accurate valuation declarations: Targeting underreported or misclassified merchandise
- Importer legitimacy: Verifying business registration and licensing documentation
- Intellectual property compliance: Miami ports are prioritizing counterfeit detection
- EPA/DOT regulations: Enhanced environmental and safety standard enforcement
Container Handling Disruptions Across Key Hubs
While average container turnaround times remain at approximately four days nationwide, several metropolitan areas report exceptional challenges:
- Dallas: Critical chassis shortages requiring alternative equipment
- New York: Strict return policies and rail yard equipment deficits
- Houston: Frequent off-terminal empty container returns due to yard closures
- Chicago: Severe 45-foot chassis shortages from rail congestion
- Seattle: Terminal overcrowding limiting free time extensions
Amazon Fulfillment Center Operational Challenges
Full container load (FCL) deliveries to Amazon facilities face multiple obstacles:
Closed Locations:
TCY1, IAH3, TMB8, DEN8, MDW2, FTW1, ORF2, XLX7, AVP1, POC2, and POC3 have suspended new appointments due to overcapacity.
Severe Appointment Delays (3+ weeks):
AVP1, IAH3, CLT2, ABE8, LAX9, GEU2, MEM1
Notable FCL Restrictions:
XLX1/7 (palletized only), LFT1, JVL1, MCO2, SNA4 (strict loading requirements)
Extended Unloading Times:
LFT1, IUSF, HOU8 (24+ hours); POC3, ABQ2 (20+ hours); STL3, FTW1 (18+ hours)
Walmart Distribution Center Constraints
Floor-loaded shipments to Walmart warehouses typically require drop trailer operations, with extended processing times at multiple locations:
- 7+ day unloading: MCI1n, PHL4/5, CVG1N, SMF1N
- Pallet-only acceptance: PHL1 mandates live unloads
- Container security issues: LAX1 reports missing shipments
Port Congestion and Rail Delays
Significant bottlenecks persist at Houston, New York, Oakland, Miami, Savannah, and Los Angeles ports, with 2-3 day processing delays. Rail transfers from Chicago via Los Angeles average five days, while California-originated rail shipments require seven days for departure.