On September 9, 2025, a cargo ship docked at the Port of Long Beach lost more than 60 shipping containers when stacks toppled like dominoes into the Pacific. Some fell onto a nearby vessel, and others splashed into the water, forcing port officials to suspend operations while they secured the scene (AP News, The Sun). Thankfully, no one was injured—but for companies awaiting deliveries, the damage was done.
This incident is a stark reminder of the risks and uncertainties that come with relying on imported products. From delays and rising costs to outright losses, importing is not always the “cheaper” option it appears to be. For industries like construction, where timing and reliability are everything, sourcing domestically isn’t just patriotic—it’s practical.
The Hidden Risks of Importing Construction Materials
-
Accidents Happen—Often: The Long Beach spill wasn’t the first. In 2020, the ONE Apus lost 1,816 containers in the Pacific, one of the costliest shipping disasters in recent history. Even closer to home, the President Eisenhower lost 23 containers off Oakland in 2024 due to misloading.
-
Delays Ripple Through Projects: Studies show that foreign-sourced supply chains face 21 extra days in delivery delays on average, cutting output by 7.3% and raising costs by nearly 2%. For contractors, these setbacks can halt jobs, stretch budgets, and strain client relationships.
-
Volatility in Supply & Pricing: The U.S. construction industry still depends heavily on imports: 22% of cement, 13% of steel, and 47% of aluminum consumed in 2024 were foreign-sourced. Tariffs, shipping costs, and accidents all translate into unpredictable pricing.
Why Buying American Is the Better Choice
When you source materials from a domestic supplier like Americover, you’re investing in more than just plastic sheeting—you’re buying peace of mind.
-
Faster Turnaround: With products made and stocked in the U.S., shipping is faster, easier, and far less risky than relying on ocean freight.
-
Economic Impact: Every dollar spent on U.S. manufacturing generates about $3.60 in total economic activity. In 2023 alone, U.S. manufacturing contributed $2.3 trillion to GDP and supported more than 15 million jobs.
-
Stable Supply: Domestic sourcing reduces exposure to tariffs, geopolitical disruptions, and port delays. Contractors can plan with confidence.
-
Sustainability & Resilience: Buying American cuts long-haul shipping emissions and strengthens local supply chains—making communities less vulnerable to global shocks.
Addressing Common Concerns About Imports
Some contractors assume imports will always be cheaper, but the “hidden costs” tell another story:
-
Tariffs and trade remedies often erase price advantages.
-
Inventory buffers needed to guard against delays tie up working capital.
-
Quality uncertainty can lead to project failures and callbacks.
In short—imports can cost you far more than you expect.
The Americover Advantage
At Americover, we’ve built our reputation on delivering high-quality, American-made specialty plastic sheeting that contractors can trust. With more than 30 years of expertise, we help builders, growers, and contractors avoid the uncertainty of imports by offering:
-
Reliable, consistent supply
-
Fast shipping across the U.S.
-
Products tested to ASTM standards
-
A direct line to experts who understand your application
Final Word
The Long Beach container spill wasn’t just an accident—it was a warning. Global supply chains are fragile, and when they break, your projects suffer. Choosing American-made products means choosing reliability, stability, and long-term value.
When the stakes are high, don’t gamble on imports. Buy American. Buy Americover.