BREAKING: 67 Containers Fall into Sea at Port of Los Angeles, Disrupting E-commerce Supply Chain

Sunny Worldwide Logistics Report - September 10, 2025

LOS ANGELES - A major container stacking collapse occurred at the Port of Los Angeles-Long Beach on Tuesday morning, September 9th at approximately 9:00 AM local time, resulting in at least 67 containers falling into the harbor and onto the dock area.

Incident Details

The accident involved the container vessel MISSISSIPPI (IMO 9954187), operated by ZIM Integrated Shipping Services, during unloading operations. The fallen containers were loaded with clothing, footwear, electronics, and other common e-commerce goods typically destined for American consumers during the upcoming holiday shopping season.

While no casualties have been reported, significant portions of the port have been cordoned off, causing substantial disruptions to subsequent vessel arrivals and cargo operations.

Service Impact on E-commerce Route

The MISSISSIPPI was operating on ZIM's ZEX (ZIM eCommerce Xpress) service, a premium route specifically designed for time-sensitive e-commerce cargo. The vessel had departed from Shenzhen Yantian Port on August 26th and was scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles on September 9th.

ZEX has emerged as ZIM's flagship product since its relaunch in 2023, positioning itself as an "e-commerce express" service that connects major Chinese southern ports (including Yantian and Ningbo) and Vietnam's Haiphong Port directly to Los Angeles and Long Beach. The service offers transit times of just 12-25 days, significantly faster than traditional ocean freight's 30-40 day schedules.

Market Context

In the post-pandemic era, global e-commerce sales have exceeded $6 trillion USD. China, as the world's largest exporter, accounts for over 70% of cargo on the ZEX route. The service caters specifically to major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and SHEIN, offering dedicated vessels, priority handling, fast customs clearance, and extended cargo cut-off times.

Operational Consequences

Foreign media reports indicate that Terminal G operations will be suspended for at least 24 hours, affecting thousands of TEU worth of cargo and causing significant delays. The incident occurs during a critical period when retailers are preparing inventory for the year-end holiday shopping season.

Advisory for Affected Parties

Sunny Worldwide Logistics advises all shippers, freight forwarders, and sellers with cargo aboard this vessel to immediately contact the shipping line to understand:

• Extent of cargo damage
• Insurance claim procedures
• Alternative shipping arrangements
• Updated sailing schedules for subsequent voyages

The Port of Los Angeles-Long Beach complex handles approximately 40% of all containerized imports entering the United States, making any disruption at this facility significant for the broader supply chain.

For updates and assistance with affected shipments, contact Sunny Worldwide Logistics customer service.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.