The crash was reported shortly before noon in the 900 block of North Seaside Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
A hazardous materials team was sent to the scene, and fire crews assumed a defensive posture against the flames, fire officials said. There were no immediate reports of injuries, evacuations or widespread hazardous warnings.
The 47 Freeway was closed between Harbor Boulevard in San Pedro on the west side of the Vincent Thomas Bridge and the 710 Freeway to the east. The closure prompted a major backup of traffic -- largely truck traffic -- in the area.
California Highway Patrol officials indicated that the Vincent Thomas Bridge could potentially remain closed for as long as 24 to 48 hours.
The Pacific Maritime Association released a statement about the crash, saying it has disrupted operations at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and has changed its dispatch plan "significantly."
"Our organization is taking direction from the Los Angeles Fire Department which has created a 1,000-foot radius zone from the fire in order to protect public safety," read the statement.
PMA said the following terminals will have all labor orders cancelled for Thursday night and Friday:
- APM Terminals (Pier 400)
- Fenix Marine Services (Pier 300)
- Everport Terminal Services
- Yusen Terminals
- PASHA TI
- PIER S
- PIER A
- Total Terminals International
City News Service, Inc. contributed to this report.