Not all Port of Long Beach terminals operate the same way. Gate hours differ. Appointment systems differ. Congestion patterns differ. A drayage company that knows each terminal — its rhythms, its appointment quirks, its busiest windows — moves your freight faster and with fewer surprises. Precision Worldwide Logistics has operated out of La Mirada, CA, approximately 20 minutes from the port, for 35 years. This guide covers the five primary terminals at the Port of Long Beach: what to know before your container arrives, and how Precision navigates each one.
Need to move a container now? Call (714) 690-9344 or use the form below.
The Five Main Terminals at the Port of Long Beach
The Port of Long Beach is the second-busiest container port in the United States, handling approximately 9 million TEUs annually across multiple terminals. For drayage purposes, the five terminals that matter most are:
| Terminal | Operator | Location | Appointment System |
|---|---|---|---|
| TTI — Total Terminals International | TiL Group | Pier T, 301 Mediterranean Way | eModal |
| LBCT — Long Beach Container Terminal | LBCT LLC | Pier E, 201 South Pico Ave | LBCT Trucker Portal |
| ITS — International Transportation Service | ITS | Pier G, 1281 Pier G Way | eModal |
| PCT — Pacific Container Terminal | SSA Marine | Pier J, 1521 Pier J Ave East | Tideworks Forecast |
| Pier A — SSA Terminals | SSA Marine | 700 Pier A Plaza | eModal |
Each terminal has distinct gate structures, appointment requirements, and operational characteristics. The sections below cover what every drayage dispatcher and shipper needs to know.
Pier T — TTI (Total Terminals International)
Location and Overview
Total Terminals International (TTI) operates one of the largest and most sophisticated terminals on the West Coast at Pier T, 301 Mediterranean Way, Long Beach. TTI handles major ocean carriers including Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, and Yang Ming, and is known for having one of the best on-dock rail facilities in the country — 12 working tracks and 4 storage tracks with capacity for 10,000-foot unit trains.
Gate Hours
TTI runs two shifts Monday through Friday:
- 1st Shift: 07:00 – 16:59
- 2nd Shift (Off-Peak): 18:00 – 02:30
Second-shift availability runs Monday through Thursday nights. Friday nights are occasionally offered but are not guaranteed — confirm the weekly gate schedule at totalterminals.com/gate-schedule before booking off-peak moves. Saturday 1st-shift operations are offered some weeks; Sunday is consistently closed. TTI posts weekly schedule updates, and the current week’s schedule is subject to change based on labor availability and cargo volumes.
Appointment System — eModal
TTI uses eModal for all truck appointments. As of February 2025, TTI transitioned to a new Terminal Operating System (TOS) and updated how gate codes work: drivers now verbally communicate a numeric eModal Gate Code (up to six digits) to tower clerks at the in-gate speaker. This code replaces the old physical Gate Pass ticket. All transaction types — receive empty, receive export, deliver import, deliver empty — require a valid Gate Code.
Key appointment notes for TTI:
- Appointment leeway is 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the scheduled window
- Dual moves (bringing in a container while picking one up) require two separate appointments with two separate Gate Codes — the full-out Gate Code must be provided first
- Hazmat container documentation must be emailed to TTI’s hazardous materials clerk before driver arrival — drivers are not stopped at the trouble window for full-out haz moves
- If a driver is rejected at the in-gate (wrong Gate Code, appointment already used, too early/too late), a Rejection Ticket is issued and the driver must exit — there is no trouble window resolution for rejection-type issues
Drayage Tips for TTI
TTI’s mandatory appointment system has been in place for years and is one of the main reasons its average turn times are among the lowest at the port. The appointment structure controls hourly truck volume, which means shift start-ups at TTI are typically free of street queues. Book appointments 24–48 hours in advance for peak window slots (08:00–14:00 during 1st shift) — these fill quickly. For same-day or urgent pickups at TTI, contact Precision directly; our dispatch team monitors appointment availability in real time.
Pier E/F — LBCT (Long Beach Container Terminal / Middle Harbor)
Location and Overview
Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT) occupies the Middle Harbor development at Pier E, Berths E22/E24/E26, at 201 South Pico Avenue, Long Beach. LBCT is one of the most automated marine terminals in the Western Hemisphere, operating zero-emission automated stacking cranes, electric automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and advanced gate OCR systems that process trucks in under two minutes on average. LBCT handles major carriers including COSCO and CMA CGM/ANL.
Gate Hours
LBCT operates two shifts with hours posted weekly at the LBCT Trucker Portal (portal.lbct.com):
- 1st Shift: 06:00 – 16:15
- 2nd Shift (Off-Peak): 17:00 – 02:15
Double-flex gate operations can begin as early as 06:00 on some days, providing earlier access for carriers with early morning delivery requirements. Gate closures are posted by announcement — the terminal has been known to close both shifts on select Saturdays and Sundays when announced. Check the portal before dispatching for any Saturday moves.
Appointment System — LBCT Trucker Portal
LBCT operates its own proprietary appointment system accessed at portal.lbct.com. Appointments are required for all transaction types — import pickup, export drop, empty return, empty pickup. Key operational details:
- As of August 2025, appointment booking opens at noon each day for future slots (previously 11:00 a.m.)
- Each appointment is for a specific transaction type — a “Dray In” appointment is for an import container arriving at the terminal; a separate appointment is required for each additional transaction
- Digital EIR (Equipment Interchange Receipt) is issued electronically for all transactions
- Dual transactions are supported and encouraged — LBCT’s two-gate design handles high traffic volumes with minimal congestion
Automated Terminal Notes for Drayage
LBCT’s automation affects how drayage operates at this terminal. Because the terminal uses automated stacking cranes and AGVs, the physical yard layout and container retrieval process differs from conventional terminals. Container placement and retrieval are machine-directed, which means turn times are highly consistent when appointment slots are honored but can be longer if appointment windows are missed and trucks must be rescheduled. For same-day drayage at LBCT, appointment availability is the critical limiting factor — not equipment.
Pier G — ITS (International Transportation Service)
Location and Overview
International Transportation Service (ITS) operates at Pier G, 1281 Pier G Way, Long Beach. ITS handles a range of international carriers and is one of the larger conventional (non-automated) terminal operations at the Port of Long Beach. The conventional yard layout and grounded/wheeled handling options give drayage companies more flexibility than fully automated terminals, but it also means yard congestion can vary more significantly based on vessel discharge cycles.
Gate Hours
ITS operates standard weekday shifts with the following published hours (itslb.com):
- Monday – Friday, 1st Shift: Opens 07:00 | Full Gate and Yard Operations
- Monday – Friday, 2nd Shift: Opens 17:00 (Off-Peak Gate) | Closes 03:00 (Grounded Import Delivery ends 02:30; Ingate closes 01:30)
- Saturday (when open): Opens 07:00 | Closes 15:30 | Note: Grounded import delivery ends 16:30; dual transactions may not be accepted after 15:00
ITS does not operate a Sunday gate. Monday closures occur periodically — specifically, Monday 1st shift is sometimes closed following certain labor events. Thursday 2nd shift frequently closes for ILWU monthly stop-work meetings. Verify the weekly schedule at itslb.com before dispatching any Thursday night or Monday morning moves.
Appointment System
ITS uses the eModal platform for truck appointments. Import appointments are required in compliance with PierPass/OffPeak program rules. Export and empty transactions follow ITS-specific appointment requirements — confirm current requirements at itslb.com, as policies are subject to update.
Congestion Patterns at ITS
ITS tends to see heavier congestion during the first two to three hours of both shifts, particularly immediately after vessel discharges from high-volume lines. The conventional yard layout means that crane-driven vessel discharge schedules directly affect how quickly grounded containers become available. For time-sensitive pickups, 2nd shift (off-peak) often provides faster turn times at ITS than 1st shift, particularly mid-week when off-peak slots are reliably open. Grounded import delivery ends at 16:30 during 1st shift — do not dispatch for grounded imports after 16:00.
Pier J — PCT (Pacific Container Terminal)
Location and Overview
Pacific Container Terminal (PCT) occupies 256 acres at 1521 Pier J Avenue East, Long Beach. PCT is operated by SSA Marine and is one of the larger terminals in the San Pedro Bay complex, with 14 gantry cranes (50–65 ton capacity) and 39 gate lanes. PCT handles major SSA Marine–affiliated carriers. Its scale and multi-lane gate configuration generally support efficient truck processing during normal operating periods.
Gate Hours
PCT operates weekday first and second shifts. Standard operating days are Monday through Friday, with Saturday 1st-shift operations offered on a variable schedule. Sunday is closed. Confirm the current weekly schedule directly with PCT or via industry tracking tools before dispatching, as second-shift availability varies week to week — particularly Thursday nights, which are subject to ILWU stop-work meeting closures across all Port of Long Beach terminals.
Appointment System — Tideworks Forecast
PCT uses Tideworks Forecast (pct.tideworks.com) as its terminal operating and appointment system. Trucking companies, brokers, and steamship lines register through Forecast to book appointments, check vessel activity, view and locate equipment, and create/edit bookings. This is a different platform than eModal, which is used at TTI, ITS, and Pier A — dispatchers who work across multiple terminals need to maintain active accounts on both platforms.
Key PCT appointment notes:
- Appointments are booked through the Forecast portal; registration is required
- Container availability, last free day, and pickup readiness are visible through the Forecast system
- Gate lanes at PCT’s 39-lane configuration allow high throughput when volume is managed; morning 1st-shift slots (07:00–10:00) can see heavier queuing on high-volume days
- For overweight container drayage at PCT, confirm chassis requirements and appointment type before dispatching
Pier A — SSA Marine (SSAT)
Location and Overview
SSA Terminals (SSAT) operates Pier A at 700 Pier A Plaza, Long Beach, CA 90813. Pier A is located at the northern end of the Port of Long Beach complex, making it the closest terminal to downtown Long Beach and the I-710 freeway interchange. This location makes Pier A particularly accessible for drayage moves heading north toward Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley, or the Inland Empire. The terminal handles a range of carriers under SSA Marine’s management.
Gate Hours
Pier A operates first and second shifts Monday through Friday, with periodic Saturday 1st-shift operations. Standard shift windows align with the broader port community:
- 1st Shift: Opens 07:00 (approximate — confirm with terminal for current week)
- 2nd Shift: Consistent with PierPass off-peak hours: 18:00 – 02:59 Monday through Thursday
Thursday 2nd shift may be closed for ILWU stop-work meetings, as with all Long Beach terminals. Saturday availability is variable. Always verify the current gate schedule before dispatching Saturday moves.
Appointment System — eModal
Pier A uses eModal for truck appointments, consistent with most other Port of Long Beach terminals. Import appointments are required under PierPass program rules. Dual transactions — simultaneously dropping an export and picking up an import — are supported where container and chassis availability allow.
Geographic Advantage for Drayage Routing
Pier A’s northern port location creates routing efficiencies for certain drayage moves. Containers destined for Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, or northern Inland Empire warehouses face shorter port exit distances from Pier A than from the southern pier cluster (TTI, PCT). For shippers with containers at Pier A, this can translate to faster delivery times and fewer freeway miles — factors that matter when last free day pressure is tight. For moves heading to customs exams or other hold locations, Pier A’s I-710 access simplifies routing to exam facilities.
Why Terminal Knowledge Matters for Drayage Efficiency
Knowing which terminal your container is at — and understanding that terminal’s specific operating rhythms — determines whether your freight moves efficiently or sits waiting. Here’s what terminal-level knowledge affects in practice:
Appointment availability windows. Each terminal opens its appointment calendar at different times. LBCT opens slots at noon; other terminals use different release schedules. A drayage company that monitors appointment availability proactively secures slots before competitors — which matters especially for containers approaching their last free day.
Shift selection. ITS 2nd shift often has faster turn times than 1st shift mid-week. LBCT’s automated 1st-shift gate processes trucks in under two minutes when appointments are correctly booked. TTI’s appointment-controlled system provides consistent turn times across both shifts. Choosing the right shift for the right terminal can shave hours off a delivery.
Dual transaction planning. All five terminals at the Port of Long Beach support dual transactions — picking up an import container while simultaneously dropping off an export or empty. At TTI, dual moves require two eModal Gate Codes (full-out code goes first). At LBCT, dual transactions are built into the appointment booking system. At ITS, dual transactions may not be accepted after 15:00 on Saturdays. Precision’s dispatch team plans dual moves systematically — they reduce deadhead miles, lower per-move costs, and accelerate chassis availability.
Thursday night planning. All Port of Long Beach terminals are subject to ILWU monthly stop-work meetings on the first Thursday of the month — this closes 2nd-shift operations across the port. Shipping teams that don’t account for this schedule frequently find themselves with containers that can’t be picked up until Friday morning, creating LFD pressure. Precision flags these dates in our dispatch calendar.
Proximity matters. Precision’s facility in La Mirada is approximately 20 minutes from the Port of Long Beach. When a container becomes available mid-day or an appointment opens up on short notice, our drivers are close enough to respond. A carrier operating from the Inland Empire adds 45–60 minutes of deadhead each way — time that compounds when appointment windows are tight.
How Appointment Systems Affect Same-Day and Urgent Pickups
Every Port of Long Beach terminal requires appointments for import container pickup. This is the central operational reality for same-day drayage and any move where last free day pressure is high.
For same-day moves, the constraint is almost always appointment availability — not driver availability or chassis availability. Terminals release appointment slots on rolling schedules, and same-day slots are available only when a slot has not already been booked by another carrier. Here’s how Precision manages this:
We monitor appointment releases in real time. Our dispatch team tracks appointment availability across all five terminals through eModal, the LBCT Trucker Portal, and Tideworks Forecast. When a same-day slot opens, we book it immediately.
We work both shifts. If a same-day 1st-shift appointment isn’t available, we look for 2nd-shift (off-peak) slots. For containers at TTI, ITS, or Pier A — where 2nd-shift operations are consistent Monday through Thursday — off-peak appointments often provide a workable same-day solution.
We pre-pull when possible. For containers approaching their last free day, Precision recommends pre-pull moves: pulling the container from the terminal before LFD and staging it at our La Mirada yard until the receiver is ready. This eliminates demurrage risk and gives you flexibility on delivery timing. Ask about pre-pull availability when you contact us.
We communicate when it’s not possible. If same-day appointment availability is genuinely exhausted across all shifts, we tell you promptly — not after a failed dispatch attempt. You need accurate information to manage your LFD situation, not optimism.
Dual Transaction Opportunities at Port of Long Beach
A dual transaction — also called a dual move or combo move — is when a driver completes two container transactions in a single terminal visit: picking up an import while dropping off an export load or returning an empty container. Every Port of Long Beach terminal supports dual transactions, and they represent one of the most concrete cost and time efficiencies available in drayage.
Why dual transactions matter:
- Reduce per-move cost by eliminating one empty repositioning trip
- Reduce chassis time — the chassis turns faster when it’s doing two moves per visit
- Reduce port area emissions and traffic (each dual move removes one truck trip from the road)
- Improve delivery speed — the driver completes two tasks in the time it normally takes to do one
Terminal-specific dual transaction notes:
At TTI, dual moves require two separate eModal appointments and two Gate Codes — the full-out (export or empty drop) code must be given first at the in-gate. At ITS, note that dual transactions may not be accepted on Saturday after 15:00. At LBCT, dual transactions are fully supported and the appointment system accommodates them natively. At PCT and Pier A, dual transactions can be booked through the respective appointment systems subject to container and chassis availability.
Precision’s dispatch team plans dual transactions where cargo timing aligns. If you have both import pickups and export loads moving through Long Beach, share your schedule with our team — we can frequently combine moves that shippers are treating as separate bookings.
For related services, see our Long Beach drayage services hub.
Precision Worldwide Logistics — Port of Long Beach Drayage
Precision Worldwide Logistics, Inc. is an asset-based drayage company based in La Mirada, CA, serving the Port of Long Beach for 35 years. Here is what that means operationally for each terminal covered in this guide:
Own fleet, own chassis, own yard. Precision owns our trucks, standard and triaxle chassis, and our La Mirada terminal. When your container is ready at any of the five terminals above, we’re not waiting on equipment sourced from a chassis pool or a subcontracted driver.
TWIC-cleared, CDL-endorsed drivers. All Precision drivers hold TWIC credentials, required for unescorted access to secure port areas at all five terminals. Drivers also hold CDL hazmat endorsements, which means we can handle hazmat containers from any terminal without additional credentialing delays.
Terminal familiarity. Our operations team has worked every terminal at the Port of Long Beach for decades. We know the appointment systems, the shift structures, the seasonal congestion patterns, and the shortest route from each terminal gate to the weigh station and beyond.
Reach across all five terminals. Whether your container is at Pier T, Middle Harbor, Pier G, Pier J, or Pier A, Precision dispatches from a single La Mirada location that serves them all. You don’t need multiple drayage relationships for different terminals.
Call (714) 690-9344 for quotes, dispatch, or questions about a specific terminal or container.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminals are at the Port of Long Beach?
The Port of Long Beach has five primary container terminals: TTI (Pier T, operated by TiL Group), LBCT (Pier E, Long Beach Container Terminal — also referred to as Middle Harbor), ITS (Pier G, International Transportation Service), PCT (Pier J, Pacific Container Terminal operated by SSA Marine), and Pier A (operated by SSA Terminals / SSA Marine). Each terminal has separate gate hours, appointment systems, and operating procedures. For drayage purposes, knowing your container’s terminal before dispatching is essential — gate hours and appointment requirements differ significantly across the five terminals.
Do all Port of Long Beach terminals require appointments?
Yes. All five container terminals at the Port of Long Beach require truck appointments for import container pickups, in compliance with the PierPass OffPeak program. Each terminal manages its own appointment system: TTI, ITS, and Pier A use eModal; LBCT uses its proprietary Trucker Portal at portal.lbct.com; PCT uses Tideworks Forecast at pct.tideworks.com. Separate appointments are generally required for each transaction type (import pickup, export drop, empty return). Appointment windows are typically two hours, with terminal-specific leeway policies — TTI, for example, allows 30 minutes before and after the appointment window.
What are the gate hours for TTI (Pier T) at Port of Long Beach?
TTI operates two shifts Monday through Friday: 1st Shift from 07:00 to 16:59, and 2nd Shift (Off-Peak) from 18:00 to 02:30. Second-shift availability is consistent Monday through Thursday nights; Friday 2nd shift is offered on a variable basis. Saturday 1st-shift operations are available some weeks. Sunday is closed. The current weekly schedule is posted at totalterminals.com/gate-schedule and is subject to change — always verify before dispatching, particularly for Saturday or Friday night moves. TTI uses eModal for all appointments; drivers must provide a numeric Gate Code verbally at the in-gate.
What makes LBCT (Middle Harbor) different from other Long Beach terminals?
LBCT is one of the most automated marine terminals in the Western Hemisphere. It uses automated stacking cranes, electric automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and OCR gate processing that averages under two minutes per truck. For drayage, this means appointment compliance is critical — the automated retrieval system is appointment-driven and can’t accommodate walk-up or off-schedule trucks the way a conventional yard can. LBCT runs two shifts with 1st Shift starting at 06:00 and uses its own Trucker Portal for appointments (not eModal). Appointment slots open at noon daily. The terminal supports dual transactions and issues digital EIRs.
How does the ILWU stop-work meeting affect Port of Long Beach terminal gates?
ILWU monthly stop-work meetings typically close 2nd-shift (off-peak) operations at all Port of Long Beach terminals on the first Thursday of each month. This means Thursday night gate operations — which normally run from approximately 17:00/18:00 to 02:00–03:00 — are closed or severely curtailed. For shippers with containers whose last free day falls on a Friday following a stop-work Thursday, the practical pickup window is limited to Friday 1st shift, creating appointment competition. Precision flags these dates in our dispatch calendar and recommends pre-pulling affected containers during the preceding week where possible.
Can Precision pick up containers from all five Port of Long Beach terminals?
Yes. Precision Worldwide Logistics dispatches drivers to all five terminals at the Port of Long Beach: TTI (Pier T), LBCT (Middle Harbor / Pier E), ITS (Pier G), PCT (Pier J), and Pier A (SSA Marine). Our La Mirada facility is approximately 20 minutes from the port, and our operations team maintains active accounts on eModal, the LBCT Trucker Portal, and Tideworks Forecast. We handle standard imports, exports, and empties, as well as specialty moves including overweight containers, hazmat, and customs hold containers. Call (714) 690-9344 to dispatch or request a quote.
Precision Worldwide Logistics, Inc. | La Mirada, CA | (714) 690-9344
Asset-based drayage — all five Port of Long Beach terminals, 35 years of local operations.