ALERTS & ​ADVISORIES

Strike Alert: Immediate Disruption at East and Gulf Coast Ports

Business Impact & Mitigation Strategies

By
October 1, 2024
Strike to Disrupt East and Gulf Coast Ports—Immediate Business Impact
Strike to Disrupt East and Gulf Coast Ports—Immediate Business Impact

Urgent Notice: As of 12:01 AM on October 1st, a major strike involving nearly 50,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has disrupted operations at critical East and Gulf Coast ports. This unprecedented work stoppage is already halting the flow of goods through vital cargo hubs from Maine to Texas, significantly impacting U.S. imports and exports. The strike is expected to ripple across the entire supply chain, threatening U.S. businesses with delays, higher costs, and logistical bottlenecks.

What’s Happening: For the first time in decades, dockworkers at 36 ports along the East and Gulf Coasts have gone on strike over key issues, including wages and the increasing use of automation. This disruption extends beyond U.S. borders, as solidarity actions have also been announced by labor unions in Canada, with the Montreal Longshoremen’s Union planning work stoppages at major terminals. Norfolk Southern has issued a port curtailment schedule, further complicating inland transport, while surging ocean freight rates and growing port congestion loom large for businesses dependent on timely deliveries.

What’s at Stake:

Operations at 36 key ports—responsible for handling nearly half of all U.S. trade—are at a standstill. The economic impact will be felt across industries:

  • Severe Supply Chain Disruptions: Container ports are halted, delaying critical shipments and production schedules.
  • Extended Transit Times: Rerouting and bottlenecks will push delivery times beyond standard windows, potentially forcing costly adjustments.
  • Higher Freight Rates & Surcharges: Increased demand and storage congestion have already triggered ocean carrier surcharges. Some shipping lines published Force Majeure declarations.
  • Global Ripple Effects: Heightened demand for alternate shipping routes and ports may worsen congestion globally, slowing the movement of goods across borders

Key Impacts for Your Business:

  • Port Closures: Expect significant shutdowns at key East and Gulf Coast ports, causing massive delays.
  • Shipping Delays: Cargo destined for these regions will face prolonged wait times, even after the strike is resolved.
  • Costly Storage Fees: Stranded cargo could incur substantial detention and demurrage charges.
  • Industry-Wide Fallout: Retailers and importers—particularly during peak season—are most at risk for severe disruptions.
  • Global Shipping Congestion: Anticipate an increase in freight rates as demand for alternative routes skyrockets.

Proactive Recommendations to Minimize Disruption:

  1. Prepare for West Coast Congestion: Cargo will likely reroute to West Coast ports, further straining capacity and driving up costs.
  2. Expect Docking Delays: Once the strike ends, a backlog of shipments will still cause prolonged delays at East and Gulf Coast ports.
  3. Consider Air Freight: For urgent shipments, air freight offers the quickest solution. While demand will likely drive rates up, JAS provides a range of air cargo options.
  4. Plan for Increased Costs: Expect rising shipping rates, along with elevated storage, detention, and demurrage fees as congestion intensifies.
  5. Review Incoterms: Ensure that all financial responsibilities for delays or rerouting are clear between all parties involved.

JAS is Here to Support You:

During this critical period, JAS is committed to minimizing the disruption to your business. We’ve developed comprehensive contingency plans, including:

  • Alternative Solutions: Air freight and strategic rerouting options for time-sensitive shipments.
  • Tailored Logistics: Our team will work closely with you to create customized strategies that maintain supply chain continuity.

Next Steps:

Reach out to your JAS representative today to discuss tailored logistics solutions and how we can help your business navigate this challenging situation.

JAS Worldwide is dedicated to supporting you through these turbulent times. Rest assured, we’re working diligently to keep your operations running as smoothly as possible.

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