US East and Gulf Coast port strike activity causes sea freight disruption

14 ports are affected with no goods being collected or delivered during the workers strike.

How will this affect US shipping?

There is no indication of how long these strikes will last (negotiations have not yet begun). The stoppage will affect schedules worldwide. Vessels will not be permitted to anchor in port. We expect increased U.S. West Coast port congestion, as freight is diverted to those destinations for cross-country transfer.

For each day the ports remain closed, it is estimated it will take roughly one week to resume normal operations. Once the ports do reopen, we expect delays and anticipate increased costs for equipment, storage and trucking.

How TPS Global Logistics can help:
We are in contact with all affected clients and are arranging for alternative routings to minimise supply chain disruption. We can also arrange air freight for time sensitive shipping and are holding competitive US rates contact sales@tps-global.com for a quote.

What we know about the strike:

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) plans for the strike to continue 24/7, until the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) meets its demands.

The strike started on 1st October and involves approximately 45,000 ILA workers. The ILA is calling for significant wage increases, improved job security and a complete ban on the use of automated equipment, including cranes, gates, and container-moving trucks, in the loading and unloading of freight.

This is the first work stoppage at East and Gulf Coast ports since 1977.