U.S. Gulf and East Coast ports could face a strike starting on October 1, warning shippers to have plans ready in case of operational disruptions. Shipping lines are already taking measures to limit operational impacts; ocean carriers have even started restricting accepting shipments as a precaution.
Why are the U.S. East and Gulf Coast Ports going on strike?
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance Center are negotiating a new labor contract and wage increase package. International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) remain in a logjam because of new labor contracts for East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, with an impending strike possibility on October 1st if no agreement can be called. As a result, transportation and logistics providers are taking measures to minimize operational impacts, with shipping lines already slowing container acceptance while east and Gulf Coast ports extend gate hours; both parties seek negotiation while ILA rejects wage increase packages presented by USMX, which they blame for potential strike threats, creating severe congestion as primary ports halt operations completely stopping operations altogether, potentially impacting cargo shipments as shipments through major ports affecting cargo shipments impacted.
East Coast port strike 2024 update
Negotiation Jam: Both ILA and USMX have failed to agree on a new labor contract, increasing the possibility of strike action on October 1. ILA leaders have threatened strike action on that date if no agreement can be reached by this date.
Getting Ready for Strikes: Carriers and operators have formed some measures to minimize any influence from an approaching strike while negotiations between the parties continue to find an acceptable labor contract agreement.
Contingency Planning: Carriers and port operators have implemented some ways to minimize the effects of a potential strike, while stakeholders have actively communicated to share information and coordinate efforts.
US East Coast port strike raised concerns
Extreme Disruptions: An industrial move at ports could cause significant disruptions, with freight delays, cost increases, and raised operational fees all likely to result from its implementation.
Container Backlog: If this kind of strike occurs, containers are expected to be built up around the country.
Economic Effect: Strikes are expected to come with an adverse economic impact, particularly in regions heavily reliant on sea trade activity. Continue Negotiations: Both parties are expected to engage in efforts to avoid striking.
Government Involvement: Unsolved negotiations can cause the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service involvement, to facilitate negotiations or help prevent strikes.
Shippers’ precautions for the US East and Gulf Coast Port Strikes 2024
To block the impcats of the strikes, shippers should develop contingency plans like alternating their shipping routes (such as, to the United States’s West Coast ports). On this matter, George Goldman, president and CEO of North America CMA CGM, made a statement and said, “There are zero ships that I’m aware of that are being diverted to the West Coast [because of a potential strike at the ports]. As of right now, customers have made that decision. They’re the ones who will guide us as to what, for them, is the best avenue to pursue.”
What ports are in the U.S. East and Gulf Coast?
U.S. East and Gulf Coast Ports by Shipsgo
| East Coast Ports | Gulf Coast Ports |
| BALTIMORE | FREEPORT (USA) |
| BOSTON | GULFPORT |
| CHARLESTON | HOUSTON |
| FORT LAUDERDALE (PORT EVERGLADES) | MOBILE, AL |
| NORFOLK | NEW ORLEANS |
| JACKSONVILLE | GALVESTON |
| MIAMI | |
| NEW YORK | |
| PHILADELPHIA | |
| PORTLAND(USA) | |
| PORTSMOUTH | |
| PROVIDENCE | |
| SAVANNAH | |
| TAMPA | |
| PALM BEACH | |
| WILMINGTON (NC) | |
| BRUNSWICK |
Shipsgo’s response to the US East and Gulf Coast Port Strikes
As soon as a potential strikes threatened US East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, our team knew immediate action was essential. In response to these possible risks, we swiftly assembled a dedicated crisis management team in order to assess any impact it might have on customers’ shipments.
As soon as we were aware that some containers were on their way or close to ports that could be affected by strikes, we detected these containers proactively. To ensure that our customers can take precautions, we added a section to their user dashboards enabling them to easily download a detailed report that includes any containers potentially affected by strikes.
Our core lies in our dedicated commitment to our customers, especially during difficult conditions and crises. In such circumstances, our devoted team works tirelessly to give you full visibility over your shipments and notify you of potential disruptions as quickly as possible.
