Potential port strikes on the US East Coast

December 18, 2024 

The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), which represents dockworkers on the East and Gulf Coasts of the United States, may go on strike again on January 15, 2025. The reason for this is unresolved contract issues that have not yet been agreed upon. A strike could lead to significant delays and backlogs in container shipments at these ports and, if prolonged, could also impact global supply chains.  

We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you informed of further developments on this website. If you have any questions, please contact your Air & Sea representative at Gebrüder Weiss. 

October 4, 2024

On October 4, the dockworkers' strike at the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts ended after three days. The union and employers have reached a tentative agreement on a wage increase of over 60%. Operations at the affected ports will resume gradually.

What does this mean for your shipments?

The strike has temporarily affected the movement of goods in the ports from Maine in the north to Texas in the south. While dockworkers have resumed work as of October 4, delays may still occur as the backlog of ships is cleared. It is expected that it will take several weeks for operations to return to normal.

Shipping lines have already announced potential cost increases due to the delays in port operations. We are in close contact with the shipping companies and are closely monitoring the status of your shipments. Should any adjustments to your bookings be necessary, we will notify you directly.

Our Recommendations:

• Continue to anticipate longer transit times.
• Consider alternative routes to mitigate delays.
• We are ready to assist you in prioritizing urgent shipments to ensure your cargo is delivered as quickly as possible

We regret any inconvenience this situation may cause and are here to support you with solutions every step of the way. For more information on your current shipments, please contact your local Gebrüder Weiss Air & Sea office.

October 1, 2024

Several seaports on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts have been closed since October 1 due to a strike. The reason for this is the stalled negotiations between port workers and employers. The dispute centers around wage increases and the use of automation in the ports. The duration of the strike is uncertain at this time.

What does this mean for your shipments?

The strike affects 36 ports from the state of Maine in the north of the US east coast to Texas in the south. The closures are expected to have a significant impact on the global maritime supply chain. Some shipping lines have already implemented measures:

• Booking adjustments: There is a possibility that bookings may be canceled or modified, particularly for the export of refrigerated containers starting on October 1.
• Costs: Shipping lines have already announced cost increases due to delays in port handling. Additional strike-related charges may also apply.

We are in close contact with the shipping lines and are constantly monitoring the situation to keep you informed of any new developments. We are doing everything we can to minimize the impact on your shipments.

Our recommendations:

• Consider alternate routes early on to mitigate potential delays.
• Factor in potentially longer transit times in your planning.
• We are ready to assist you in prioritizing urgent shipments to ensure your cargo is delivered as quickly as possible. Our air freight services offer a flexible and fast option here. Every day, we serve the most important air cargo hubs, where our experts handle and forward your consignments. For more information, please contact your Gebrüder Weiss representative.

We regret any inconvenience this situation may cause and are here to support you with solutions every step of the way. For more information on your current shipments, please contact your localGebrüder Weiss Air & Sea office.