9/22/24 Update: U.S. East & Gulf Coast Port Strikes
The potential for an East Coast port strike on October 1, 2024, concerns global trade, retail, and consumers alike. The current 6-year agreement covers approximately 25,000 port workers employed in container and roll-on/roll-off operations at ports on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts and runs from October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2024.
As a general warning on the East and Gulf Coast strikes, customers can expect rates and fees to fluctuate until a resolution is reached. Several ocean carriers (and more to come) have announced local port charge (LPC) increases due to significant increases in operational costs. Logistics Plus has seen the LPC charges range from $800 to $1,500 depending on the container size/type. It should also be noted that if a large number of U.S. exporters/importers re-route cargo to the West Coast, congestion and delays are likely to occur there as well.
As of 9/20/24, the Logistics Plus team received an update that a strike is expected in Houston. Cargo unable to in-gate for final vessel cutoffs prior to 09/30 will not be rolled to future vessels, and cargo already at the port waiting for sailings after 09/30 will need pickup scheduled by 09/27.
For more information, please visit https://www.usmx.com/resources/usmx-ila-negotiations-updates
