The Toy Association Advocates for Members Facing Shipping Delays in U.S. Ports

December 8, 2020 | With many toy companies facing shipping delays during the holiday season, The Toy Association’s external affairs team has been advocating on behalf of members at major U.S. ports.

“As a result of labor and equipment shortages at coast ports due to COVID-19, many of our members are now finding their products floating off-shore at a time that’s absolutely critical for their businesses,” said Ed Desmond, executive vice president of external affairs at The Toy Association. “That’s why we’re doing everything in our power to offer assistance and help get our members’ products swiftly into the hands of their customers to ensure a joyful holiday for all.”

On December 7, The Toy Association hosted a virtual meeting for members experiencing delays in product shipments into the Los Angeles Port. During the meeting, members had the opportunity to speak directly with Gene Seroka, executive director of the Los Angeles Port, and his staff, who provided them with the latest updates on the situation as well as key port contacts to assist them.

Along with Los Angeles Port, the Association is closely monitoring the Port of Long Beach. An Ocean Network Express (ONE) vessel, ONE Apus, sent a notice to customers that it suffered a collapse of 1,900 containers in severe weather while sailing to the port. The loss marks the second for ONE leading into the holiday season.

The Toy Association has also worked closely with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and officials at the Port of Newark in New Jersey to help a member company track down and get their products released in time for the last-minute holiday rush. A critical container of products from The Queen’s Treasures was delayed at the Newark port.

“I cannot express how thankful I am for the advocacy of The Toy Association,” said Joann Cartiglia, president of doll manufacturer The Queen’s Treasures. “After having an already late container randomly selected for an intensive exam, I thought we would have to disappoint thousands of parents and grandparents this Christmas. An additional port delay would cause us to miss our shipping deadline for backordered items. I contacted Ed Desmond, and he and his team immediately sprang into action on our behalf. With the help of The Toy Association and the cooperation of CPSC and the Port of Newark, we were able to get our shipment of compliant, safety-tested toys released. Thankfully, it looks like we will have a ‘magic’ sleigh this year.”

As The Toy Association continues to track port delays, members will be kept apprised of new developments. All questions may be directed to Ed Desmond, executive vice president of external affairs.