Dear Valued Customer,
We are writing to inform you that an agreement has been reached between key stakeholders in the shipping industry, extending the current contract through January 15, 2025. As a result, all U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports remain operational.
While there has been consensus on wages, several significant topics, including automation, still need to be negotiated. This means that further labor disruptions, such as strikes or slowdowns, could occur if a final agreement is not reached. To avoid potential delays, we recommend placing orders early to minimize any risks should a contract not be in place by January 15, 2025.
Though the recent work stoppage was brief, lasting only three days, it caused considerable congestion. Please be advised that it may take up to a month for the supply chain to stabilize fully. If you’re interested in exploring options to expedite your shipments, please contact your logistics advisor.
Lastly, we encourage all customers to keep track of terminal gate hours and prioritize removing their shipments as early as possible. Some terminals may start calculating demurrage fees as soon as they open.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact your customer service representative for assistance.