On October 1st, a strike began, resulting in the temporary closure of U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, affecting container movement, import and export processes, and significantly impacting our operations. The ongoing strike is affecting key ports along the U.S. East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, causing significant disruptions and impacting major ports, including:
- Port of New York and New Jersey
- Port of Baltimore
- Port of Savannah
- Port of Charleston
- Port of Houston
- Port of New Orleans
- Port of Mobile
- Port of Tampa Bay
For our customers, this situation may result in delays, as cargo processing and shipping schedules are being affected. While we are committed to minimizing the effects, the strike has caused cargo backlogs at many of these crucial ports. In addition to the ports listed above, there is a possibility that the effects of the strike will extend to other ports, as the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) represents employers at 36 ports across the U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico, further exacerbating delays and logistical challenges. Consequently, there may also be an increase in logistics costs due to extended storage times, rerouting of vessels, and longer wait times.
This is the first major port strike in the U.S. in nearly 50 years. Joe Biden has the authority to suspend the strike for 80 days to allow for new negotiations, but according to the White House, the President does not intend to take action at this time.