A new queuing system has been developed and implemented to help alleviate port congestion and pollution at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. As of November 16, the system now requires cargo vessels that arrive early at the LA and Long Beach ports to wait 150 miles offshore. Previously the ships were able to stay within a small 40-mile perimeter off the ports. The new system has been developed by the Pacific Maritime Association, the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association and the Marine Exchange of Southern California as well as shipping companies and was signed off on by the twin ports. The new queuing process will not apply to vessels currently in the arrival queue.