Shipping companies and terminal operators have reached a tentative deal, according to supplychain247.com. The U.S. Labor secretary helped negotiate a deal.”Clearing out the crisis-level congestion and backlog at the ports” will now be a key focus.
How can these slowdowns and suspensions be limited in the future so that the global supply chain is not negatively impacted?
According to SupplyChain247.Com, “Shipping lines will partially shut down 29 West Coast ports for four of the next five days.” The loading and unloading of cargo freight will be temporarily suspended. Work will continue [at management’s discretion] in the terminal yards, rail hubs and terminal gates.
“Slowdowns at those harbors have rippled through the U.S. commercial supply chain for months, disrupting shipments of a wide range of goods affecting agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and retail.”
The article states that the mentioned ports are responsible for handling almost 50% of all United States trade and over 70 percent of Asian imports.
An extended shutdown of the ports could cost the U.S. economy $2 billion per day.
Will there be a resolution soon?
A new crisis has emerged at 29 West Coast Ports. According to supplychain247.com, “three weeks after initiating a coordinated series of slowdowns that have mired the major West Coast ports of Tacoma, Seattle, Oakland, Los Angeles and Long Beach, the ILWU has pushed away from the bargaining table.”
The article reports that the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) has ceased contract negotiations for the next 12 days (starting today through the end of the Thanksgiving weekend).
How will this all be resolved?
Full Article: http://www.supplychain247.com/article/us_west_coast_ports_face_new_crisis_as_dockworkers_cease_contract
Is Disruption at West Coast Ports Imminent? (photo credit:supplychain247.com)
Could there be a West Coast port dockworker strike or lockout in the near future?
Shippers are worried and we don’t blame them. There has already been a slowdown and if the ports are disrupted, what does this mean for shipping this holiday season?
Read more about the slowdown and possible lockdown at: supplychain247.com
