As you are likely aware, there is a significant risk of a strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) if negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) do not resolve before the current contract expires on September 30, 2024. This could lead to major disruptions at ports across the East and Gulf Coasts, which handle roughly 43% of U.S. imports. With the potential for a work stoppage as early as October 1, we are prepared to proactively manage and execute contingency plans.
If you have any concerns or would like to explore alternative solutions, please reach out to your JAS representative. We have a range of contingency options ready to be implemented immediately to ensure your shipments continue moving as smoothly as possible.
Operational Considerations:
If the strike occurs, disruptions across the supply chain are very likely, potentially leading to delays and increased costs. While surcharges may be anticipated, we are keeping a close watch on developments and will keep you informed as more information becomes available.
Alternative Solutions – Airfreight and Routing Options:
To minimize potential delays, we recommend exploring alternative logistics solutions, such as airfreight, for high-priority shipments. Our team can assist with re-routing options, including shifting to West Coast ports where feasible, though we are aware of potential congestion in those areas as well.
Potential Disruptions:
In the event of a full strike, operations at affected ports could come to a standstill, leading to significant delays for inbound and outbound shipments. We are prepared to assist you in mitigating these disruptions and will provide regular updates as the situation evolves.
Once again, Parker Hannifin has recognized JAS with its International Freight Forwarder of the Year award for 2025. Parker Hannifin, a Fortune 250 global leader in motion and control technologies, serves a wide range of industries including aerospace, climate control, filtration, and automation. The company highlighted JAS’s cybersecurity and sustainability efforts, on-time delivery, and commitment to continuous improvement as key reasons for selecting JAS as this year’s recipient.
This marks the third time JAS has been honored with this award, having previously received the recognition in 2017 and 2020. Being named International Freight Forwarder of the Year once again underscores JAS’s ongoing commitment to delivering customer value, consistent partnership, and excellence in global logistics solutions.
We would like to remind our customers of the implementation of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2), the European Union’s enhanced pre-arrival safety and security program for cargo entering or transiting through EU Member States, as well as Norway, Switzerland, and Northern Ireland. Effective 1 September 2025, ICS2 became mandatory across all modes of transport—air, ocean, road, and rail. This regulation requires the submission of detailed shipment data via an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) prior to cargo arrival at the EU border.
What You Need to Know ICS2 is designed to:
Your Responsibilities as a Shipper or Cargo Owner
To ensure compliance and avoid disruptions, please take note of the following obligations:
Data Submission Requirements
You must provide:
Filing Responsibilities
Non-Compliance Risks Failure to comply with ICS2 requirements may lead to:
Recommended Actions to prepare for ICS2 compliance:
Technology & Support
In response to the EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) requirements, we want to reassure our customers that our experienced staff and systems are fully prepared to manage the necessary data submissions and compliance procedures on your behalf. To support this service and ensure the smooth processing of your shipments, a compliance handling fee will apply. This fee covers the administrative effort and data validation to meet the latest EU regulations efficiently and accurately.
We are also investing in digital tools and customs platforms to automate data validation and submission, reducing manual errors and ensuring timely compliance. If you have any questions or would like guidance on preparing your shipment data, please contact your JAS account representative.
JAS has been awarded a Silver Medal in the EcoVadis sustainability assessment, achieving a score of 75 points. This marks a 15-point improvement from last year’s Bronze rating and places JAS among the top 15% of companies assessed globally.
EcoVadis is one of the world’s most trusted providers of business sustainability ratings, evaluating over 130,000 companies across four categories: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement.
In the latest assessment, JAS received particularly strong recognition in the Environment category (91/100), reflecting our focus on decarbonization, responsible resource use, and advancing sustainable logistics solutions. JAS also recorded solid progress in Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement, showing how JAS is working to embed responsible practices across its global operations and supply chain.
Andrea Goeman, SVP Sustainability, JAS, commented:
“We are proud to see our progress recognized with the EcoVadis Silver Medal. This achievement reflects the collaboration across our global teams and our strong commitment to building a more sustainable future for our customers, partners, and communities. While this is an important milestone, we will continue to strengthen our practices to further improve our performance in the years ahead.”
With a score of 75 points, JAS now ranks in the 92nd percentile of all companies assessed by EcoVadis. This performance not only supports many of our customers’ supplier selection and evaluation processes, but also highlights the steady progress we are making year over year.
As JAS continues its sustainability journey, the company remains focused on driving measurable improvements across its operations and working closely with customers and partners to reduce environmental impact and achieve shared sustainability goals.
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