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As operators of major container ports struggle to keep ahead of a rush of imported goods while retailers restock nine months into the coronavirus pandemic, Congress is aiming to lend additional support.

Many of the nation’s ports, especially on the West Coast, are reporting long delays to unload cargo ships, and warehouses near those facilities are filled as the supply chains are overloaded with goods.

New Jersey officials recently announced a series of infrastructure projects meant to support operations for port facilities and the vehicles that serve them.

A flotilla of almost a dozen cargo vessels sits anchored just south of Los Angeles this weekend, waiting for berth space. Around the twin ports of L.A. and Long Beach, shipping containers already are stacked five and six high — the maximum the fire department will allow.

With a surge in imports, the nation’s ports are reporting record or near-record activity as warehouses and stores restock eight-plus months into the COVID-19 pandemic.

A case that alleges ocean carriers are overcharging truckers for use of container chassis at ports will proceed after a judge denied a request for dismissal filed by the defendants.

Amid these dramatic swings in demand, ports have continued to pursue infrastructure improvement projects.

Just months after cargo volumes plunged amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation’s ports are staging a comeback as falling product inventory levels at warehouses, stores and medical facilities are being quickly replenished.

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $220 million in grants to improve port infrastructure, including facilities used by freight vehicles.

The Port of Los Angeles, the nation’s busiest seaport, hit an all-time record in August, processing 12% more volume that totaled 961,833 20-foot-equivalent units (TEUs).