Today is October 1, 2024, and the contract between the ILA and USMX has expired without agreement. As a result, tens of thousands of ILA workers started their expected strike this morning, the first time the East Coast & Gulf Coast ports have experienced a work stoppage since 1977. The strike will affect operation across these 14 ports;
Boston, Massachusetts
New York/New Jersey
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Wilmington, North Carolina
Baltimore, Maryland
Norfolk, Virginia
Charleston, South Carolina
Savannah, Georgia
Jacksonville, Florida
Tampa, Florida
Miami, Florida
New Orleans, Louisiana
Mobile, Alabama
Houston, Texas
What does this mean for anyone who has cargo coming into or out of the East Coast and Gulf Coast ports?
Many forecasts indicate that even only one day of work stoppage will result in at least 5 days to clear the backlog; the longer this goes on, the longer it will take to untangle the knot.
Our research indicates that this strike is likely to last for many days. However, reports indicate that at least for the first few days of the work stoppage, the monetary cost of this work will not be passed on to consumers.
Any cargo that is presently at port, was expected to leave, or was expected to arrive at port is effectively there for the foreseeable future, including perishable goods based on initial reports.
Our advice? Ship to a west coast port, and plan for increased inland transportation costs. The East Coast/Gulf Coast ports should be back to normal operation without delays by early 2025, but the situation remains fluid. Please contact your Freight Manager if you have any questions about specific loads, containers, or projects.
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