US East Coast ports brace for potential longshoremen's strike, put operational plans in place

Several major ports are gearing up for a potential strike that could disrupt operations starting Oct. 1 as the current contract between the International Longshoremen's Association and employer group United States Maritime Alliance expires at the end of the day Sept. 30. This has prompted port authorities to implement measures aimed at minimizing supply chain disruptions.

Port of New York and New Jersey

On Sept. 23, the Port Authority, along with terminal operators and intermodal rail providers, urged customers to collect all import cargo by the end of business Sept. 30. This request is especially critical for refrigerated and hazardous materials, as no cargo deliveries will be possible once a strike begins. Export cargo will only be accepted if it can be loaded onto vessels before the deadline.

To facilitate cargo pickup, extended gate hours have been announced: APM Terminals will operate from 6 am to 7 pm, while Maher Terminals will extend hours to 9 pm for all cargo types. The Port Newark Container Terminal will also have extended hours for reefer cutoff until 4:30 pm on weekdays. Heavy congestion is expected leading up to the deadline, and customers are encouraged to utilize all available gate hours to avoid delays. An incident management team will be established to manage disruptions and maintain communication with stakeholders throughout the process.

Port of Virginia

The Port of Virginia has developed a detailed cessation plan should a work stoppage occur, as stated in a press release on Sep. 23. Cargo operations at Norfolk International Terminals, Virginia International Gateway, Newport News Marine Terminal and other facilities will begin to halt Sept. 30.

The port encourages truckers to make reservations through the Trucker Reservation System starting at 5 am Sept. 30, with the last inbound train delivery accepted by 8 am. By noon, operations will shift to securing cranes and clearing berths, leading to the closure of all inbound truck gates.

Marine operations will cease by 1 pm, requiring all vessels to sail, and by 3 pm, all motor carriers must vacate the premises. Refrigerated units will remain connected to power during any work stoppage but will not be monitored. Also, the port will not charge ocean carriers for loaded container storage during the strike, and shippers are advised to communicate with their carriers regarding demurrage policies.

As the clock ticks down to the contract expiration, ports across the East Coast are taking significant steps to prepare for a potential strike. Stakeholders are encouraged to act swiftly to minimize disruptions and ensure cargo is collected before the deadline. Continuous updates will be provided by port authorities as negotiations evolve, with a collective hope for a resolution that allows operations to resume smoothly.

Port Houston

Although Port Houston is not directly involved in the ongoing contract negotiations, it is closely monitoring the situation. The port indicated in a press release Sept. 20 that normal operations are expected at Barbours Cut and Bayport Container Terminals until Sept. 30. However, should a strike occur, these terminals will cease all container handling operations.

Port Houston will continue to receive export cargo through Sept. 30 and plans to operate vessels and gates until 7 pm. During a strike, maintenance and support services will continue at the container terminals, and operations at general cargo facilities will remain unaffected. The port is also considering extended gate hours post-strike to facilitate a smooth recovery.