Dear Valued Customers & Partners,
As you may be aware, there is an ongoing risk of significant labor disruptions at U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports due to unresolved negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). If no agreement is reached by the end of September 2024, there is a significant risk of a strike at U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports starting October 1, 2024.
Many carriers, including major names such as Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd, have already announced new surcharges in anticipation of service disruptions. These surcharges, set to take effect as early as October 1, 2024, are in response to potential labor strikes that could significantly disrupt operations at U.S. ports, impacting shipping schedules and rates. Experts predict that even a short-term disruption could take several weeks to resolve, with broader impacts on global supply chains, particularly for shipments from Asia during the busy pre-Chinese New Year period.
Interport will continue to closely monitor the situation and communicate any updates as soon as we receive them from the carriers. Additionally, we are enhancing our logistics planning, prioritizing shipments that may face delays, and working to expedite customs clearances where possible. We understand how important it is to maintain your logistics flow and will work with you to reduce any impact on your operations.
Our goal is to provide tailored solutions that ensure the continuity of your supply chain, even in the event of disruptions. Rest assured, our team is committed to supporting you during this challenging period. Please don’t hesitate to contact your customer service representative for assistance or email us at sales.support@interport.us.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we appreciate your continued trust.
Sincerely,
Interport Logistics Team
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