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Dear Valued Customers & Partners,
As we approach the potential strike at U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports, expected to begin on October 1, 2024, we want to keep you informed of the latest developments and help you prepare for potential disruptions to your supply chain. Negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) remain unresolved, and carriers have already taken precautionary measures.
Key Updates
- Port Closures & Delays: If the strike goes ahead, all operations at East and Gulf Coast ports will be halted, causing significant delays for vessels already en route. Carriers may reroute cargo to West Coast ports, but this will increase transit times by 10–14 days.
- Surcharges: Carriers such as Maersk, MSC, ZIM, and CMA CGM have announced surcharges on cargo impacted by the strike:
What to Do If Your Cargo is Already in Transit
- Expect Delays: Cargo already en route to impacted ports may be subject to rerouting or delays in docking and unloading. In some cases, carriers are planning to “slow steam,” further extending transit times.
- Rerouting Options: Some carriers may divert cargo to West Coast ports or other nearby ports. Be prepared for longer transit times and additional costs associated with rerouting.
Guidance for New Shipments
- Consider West Coast Ports: If booking new shipments, route them through West Coast ports or consider air freight for urgent deliveries. However, West Coast ports are already experiencing congestion, which may lead to additional delays.
- Explore Air Freight: For time-sensitive or high-value cargo, air freight may offer a faster alternative. Although more expensive, it helps you avoid long wait times at congested ports.
Potential Surcharges
- Maersk: Starting October 21, 2024, Maersk will apply surcharges of $1,500 for 20-foot containers and $3,000 for 40-foot containers.
- MSC: Implementing an Emergency Operations Surcharge starting October 26, 2024, at $1,500 for 20-foot containers, $3,000 for 40-foot containers, and $3,798 for 45-foot containers.
- ZIM: Introducing a surcharge on October 8, 2024, of $1,000 per container, and on October 23, 2024, of $2,800 per 40-foot container.
- CMA CGM: Introducing a surcharge of $1,500 per TEU for imports and between $800 to $1,000 for exports.
- All amounts are USD
These charges may apply to both import and export cargoes, significantly impacting shipments bound to and from U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports.
How Interport Can Help
At Interport, we are closely monitoring the situation and actively working to minimize disruptions to your supply chain. Our team is prioritizing shipments that may face delays, expediting customs clearances, and providing solutions for rerouting shipments through alternative ports. Additionally, we offer multimodal transport options, including air and ground freight, to ensure timely deliveries. We are committed to providing real-time updates and keeping you informed every step of the way, so you can make the best decisions for your logistics needs.
If you have any concerns about your shipments or need assistance with rerouting or planning new cargo, please contact your customer service representative or email us at sales.support@interport.us. We’re here to provide customized solutions to keep your supply chain moving smoothly.
Thank you for your continued trust in Interport Logistics.
Best regards,
Interport Logistics Team
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