LOS ANGELES—Cargo ships waited in record numbers to offload goods at the nation’s busiest ports this week as officials again delayed the start of a new system that would fine shipping companies for storing containers at the busy terminals. An influx of 96 container ships were waiting in line to offload at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports Dec. 3, said Kip Louttit, executive director of the Marine Exchange of Southern California. This was an increase from Nov. 16, when a record of 86 ships were anchored or drifting under their own engine power in the nearby waters. Ships were waiting at anchor for about 20 days on average, the Port of Los Angeles reported Monday. A new queuing system allows carriers to register with the ports before heading to the Southern California area, allowing them to delay arrival. As a result, ships are now spread out across the …