L.A. is giving California ports a bad rap

Geographic proximity is just about all that the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have in common.

In recent years the Port of Long Beach has taken strides to reverse environmental harms in the region, while the Port of Los Angeles is using the veil of environmental efficiency to attempt an industry takeover based on power and greed, said Randy Gordon, President and CEO of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.

As the Port of Los Angeles continues to lobby the Federal Aviation Administration Act for greater control of the industry, it's clear that their ultimate goal is to prevent independent truckers from operating at their Port, forcing those drivers to be company employees who could be unionized.

Already struck by a steady decline in container traffic with no signs of relenting, the Port of Long Beach fears a continuing decline as a result of being lumped in with their coastline neighbors.

"The two ports are in such close proximity to one another that they are often confused to be one large port," said Gordon. "Any bullying tactics used in Los Angeles could also be negatively attributed to Long Beach. Shipping companies have made it no secret that they prefer to take their business elsewhere."

While a tarnished reputation at the hands of the Port of Los Angeles has already taken its toll, current expansion of the Panama Canal further threatens the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, as shippers will have easier access to ports along the Gulf Coast and East Coast.

Click here to view the full article by Randy Gordon, President and CEO of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.