Potential East & Gulf Coast Port Strike

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

As of today, the labor strike at US East Coast and Gulf Coast ports has officially begun. This disruption is likely to impact shipping schedules and operations at key ports.  
At Gebrüder Weiss, we are fully prepared to assist you during this challenging time and will do our best to minimize delays to your supply chain. 
 
How We Can Support You: 

• Transloading Services: We are offering transloading options through our strategically located warehouses in Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, El Paso, Laredo, and Salt Lake City to keep your cargo moving.
• Alternative Routing Solutions: Our team can assess and help redirect your shipments to alternative West Coast, or Mexican ports, ensuring continuity in the event that East Coast operations are impacted.
• Warehousing Solutions: Our warehouses are fully equipped to handle your goods, providing temporary storage if necessary while waiting for further transport.
• Monitoring Export Restrictions: We will monitor any potential restrictions on exports, especially for Midwest shipments bound for East Coast ports. Gebrüder Weiss will provide timely updates and assist you in navigating any changes in carrier policies.
• Preparing for Vessel Delays: We anticipate possible slowdowns or rerouting of vessels. We will closely monitor vessel schedules and work with you to find alternative shipping routes if necessary.

We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you updated with any developments. Please be aware that some carriers may introduce surcharges due to rising operational costs. If these charges become applicable, we will need to reflect them in your billing. 
 
Please rest assured that we are committed to minimizing the impact of this strike on your business. Please don’t hesitate to contact your local Gebrüder Weiss representative with any questions or concerns.