SIMIC

The direct rail service connecting Long Beach to Salt Lake City will allow cargo destined for all western regions to be taken from clogged terminals on the coast to inland distribution.

Currently, only 10 per cent of the cargo in the region moves by rail.

"Much of this cargo traditionally moves to Utah, Colorado, Nevada, and Idaho by truck and thus must be removed from the port terminals one container at a time. Re-engaging this direct rail service will allow removal of blocks of containers at a time." said the port authorities.

Seventy-four ships are currently anchored off the west coast ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, prevented from unloading until space for their containers is freed up on the docks.