03 January 2025

U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast Port Strike / USA Labor Disruption January 2025

United States Port Strikes Latest News and Contingency Plans.

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are engaged in extended labor contract negotiations, with a crucial deadline of January 15, 2025. Failure to reach a labor agreement by this date could lead to strikes that significantly disrupt major U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports. Shippers, forwarders, and consignees are advised to begin contingency planning and consider alternative transportation routes.

CaroTrans is committed to servicing our customers with LCL and FCL solutions via Canada and the West Coast. We anticipate rail and terminal congestion for both routes to be impacted in the coming days and weeks if the strike occurs. To support the continued movement of cargo, CaroTrans can offer the following solutions to facilitate the transport of your goods from East Coast and Midwest origins.

Due to the labor action and resulting increase in operational costs, CaroTrans has announced the following surcharges:
•    Import charges such as detention, demurrage, and added CFS costs will be passed on as incurred
•    Export Strike Congestion Surcharge - $35 per W/M, effective January 16, 2025 for all USA bookings
Shippers should expect delays and increased costs during this period of labor disruption. CaroTrans remains committed to providing solutions to minimize the impact on your supply chain.

Please contact your local CaroTrans team with any questions or for more details.