Is that confirmed by the raw data ? I've checked port of LA statistics and they had huge Y/Y growths in the first half of 2021 but that's simply because it's growth vs. the first effects of initial covid panic. The figures for recent months are flat.
Yes, this is real. Most ports are up about 20% over their pre-covid averages in total throughput. LA/LB is worse, as high as 40%.
It’s hard to tell from raw numbers because containers move both in and out. Some ports, like LA, have had unusually fewer outbound shipments of empties at times, because of the need to rush ships back to Asia to pick up the next lot. The idea of rushing empty is insane, but necessitated by this current mess.
Both our ports and our railyards desperately need huge expansion.