Several US ports along the US East and Gulf coasts are working under contingency plans ahead of a possible strike by dockworkers on Oct. 1, including extending terminal hours and implementing deadlines for operations.

The plans come amid the increasing likelihood that the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) will not reach an agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) on a new master contract covering East and Gulf Coast dockworkers. ILA President Harold Daggett has said the union will not agree to an extension once the current contract expires on Monday, Sept. 30.

Port of Virginia outlines closure schedule

The Port of Virginia will begin stopping cargo operations on Sept. 30, according to port officials, with the last inbound train delivery scheduled for 8 am. Additionally, all inbound truck gates will close at noon. In a statement, the port said use of its Trucker Reservation System (TRS) is “strongly encouraged” on Sept. 30.

At 1 pm on Sept. 30, ocean operations will stop, vessels will be required to sail, and the last outbound train will leave, the port said. All motor carriers must leave the port at that time. At 6 pm, all other container operations will halt. Reefer units will remain plugged in but will not be monitored.

The Virginia Port Authority’s privately held terminal operating company, Virginia International Terminals, will not be charging demurrage for containers in the terminal during the strike.

“Once an agreement has been reached, the Port of Virginia will implement its resumption of operations plan and methodically and safely bring terminals back online,” the VPA said.

New Orleans adds Saturday hours

The Port of New Orleans has issued similar deadlines, but added Saturday hours at the New Orleans Terminal from 8 am to 5 pm on Sept. 28, with a one-hour break from noon to 1 pm. Port officials said any work stoppage from the strike will not increase demurrage charges.

At the New Orleans Terminal, which serves Mediterranean Shipping Co., Maersk and Zim Integrated Shipping Services, vessel operations will halt at noon on Sept. 30, with rail and gate operations stopping at 4 pm. Receipt of export reefer containers ends at 4 pm Sept. 27 and import reefers must be out of the gate by 4 pm Sept. 30 “unless prior approval is obtained from New Orleans Terminal,” according to the port.

At Port NOLA’s Ports America terminal — serving CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, Seaboard, Evergreen, COSCO, OOCL and Yang Ming — deadlines for vessel operations have not yet been made public, but gate operations will conclude Sept. 30 at 4 pm. Import reefers must be out of the gate at that same time, whereas customers are responsible for ensuring export reefers are loaded by Sept. 30. Mirroring the situation at the Port of Virginia, reefers will remain plugged in, but will not be monitored, during a work stoppage.

Jacksonville expecting partial impact

In Jacksonville, a strike is expected to affect one-third of the Port of Jacksonville’s (JAXPORT’s) business, port officials said in a statement.

“The remaining two-thirds of JAXPORT’s business, including Puerto Rico cargo, will continue normally,” the port said. “In addition, none of JAXPORT’s 172 direct employees are ILA members, so all workers directly employed by JAXPORT will continue to work, which means all JAXPORT main gates and administrative functions will remain open regular operating hours.”

Still, customers are encouraged to contact their terminal operators as they are responsible for establishing operating hours.

The Alabama Port Authority said it is monitoring the potential effects of a strike at the Port of Mobile, where its container terminal is managed by APM Terminals.

Meanwhile, ports in the southern US are preparing for another potential impact to operations — the threat of Tropical Storm Helene, which is forecast to strengthen and make landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast early Thursday.

Planning Ahead

With the potential ILA strike looming, preparation is key. Whether it’s adjusting shipment schedules, diversifying supply chains, or exploring alternative ports, having a robust contingency plan is essential to minimizing the impact on your business. Red Arrow Logistics is here to provide the expertise and support you need during these uncertain times.

Stay ahead of the game—contact Red Arrow Logistics today to ensure your business remains resilient in the face of supply chain challenges.  Our team is here to assist you in navigating these challenges. If we can be of assistance, please email us at [email protected] or give us a call at 425-747-7914.