East Coast Port Strikes End

We are pleased to inform you that the strike affecting U.S. East Coast ports has officially ended on October 3rd, 2024. A temporary agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) has been reached, though a formal agreement is expected to be signed in January​. Dockworkers have resumed operations, with ports along the East and Gulf Coasts now returning to full activity.

While this resolution is promising, it’s important to note that full operational efficiency may not be restored for at least 2-3 weeks. Over 45 container ships are currently anchored, awaiting unloading, and the backlog may lead to continued delays, particularly regarding the return of empty containers and the delivery of full ones. Until operations normalize, the risk of additional charges such as port storage, demurrage, and detention fees remains, as previously communicated.

We encourage our customers to plan ahead for possible short-term disruptions, backlogs, and increased costs. Our team is committed to managing this transition and minimizing the impact on your supply chain.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time. For further details or updates, feel free to reach out to your account representative or customer service team at Aprile.