Riverview, FL – We want to provide an important update regarding the potential impact of upcoming strikes at East Coast ports, which begin on October 1. These labor disputes are creating uncertainty for shippers and may have significant ramifications for the broader supply chain.
Potential Impact:
East and Gulf Coast ports handle approximately 43% of U.S. imports. A one-day strike could take five days to clear, while a week-long strike could lead to congestion lasting until mid-November. Recovery from significant disruptions could take 3-6 months, depending on the severity.
We are actively developing contingency plans to prepare alternative shipping routes, such as rerouting shipments through West Coast ports and exploring alternative transportation modes where feasible.
As this situation evolves, our team is closely monitoring developments and remains committed to supporting you. If there are any significant changes that could affect costs or delivery times, we will notify you immediately.
Thank you for your continued trust during this challenging time. Please contact us at 973-627-8608 or email us with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Ultraflex Systems
UPDATE: Jan. 9, 2025
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
We are pleased to share that the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), representing 14 major ports from Boston to Miami and along the Gulf Coast, have reached a tentative agreement on a new six-year master contract. The two parties have agreed to maintain port operations under the current contract while the union ratifies the contract and USMX members finalize its details.
In a joint statement, ILA and USMX stated, “This agreement protects current ILA jobs and establishes a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs while modernizing East and Gulf coast ports – making them safer and more efficient and creating the capacity they need to keep our supply chains strong.” They further emphasized, “This is a win-win agreement that creates ILA jobs, supports American consumers and businesses, and keeps the American economy the key hub of the global marketplace.”
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your sales representative.