Shippers have less than two weeks to formulate contingency plans in case of a strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, with their current contract expiring on September 30. Negotiations are faltering due to issues like automation and wage disputes, raising the likelihood of a strike on October 1. Such a strike would severely disrupt the flow of goods, impacting industries reliant on just-in-time inventory, and could necessitate rerouting cargo to alternate ports on the U.S. West Coast, Canada, or Mexico. Experts suggest exploring alternative shipping routes and utilizing airfreight for time-sensitive shipments, albeit at higher costs and with limited capacity.

Source: https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/east-gulf-coast-ports-strike-potential-shippers-options/727170/