In a significant development, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) issued a joint statement late on October 3, announcing that they have reached a tentative agreement on wages. Both parties have also agreed to extend the Master Contract until January 15, 2025, allowing additional time to negotiate other unresolved issues. Effective immediately after the announcement, all ongoing job actions ceased, and work covered by the Master Contract will resume across the East and Gulf Coast ports.
While this agreement brings temporary relief, the backlog of vessels and congestion at key ports remains a critical challenge for the supply chain. Over the last three days, the disruption has caused significant delays that will take weeks to clear.
Vessels Stalled and Rising Congestion
Many container ships remain anchored off the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts, with more arriving. Several vessels are also stationed outside Freeport, Bahamas, attempting to offload U.S. East Coast cargo. This situation threatens to create severe congestion at Freeport, Cartagena, Panama, Kingston, and Caucedo. The backlog at these key ports will be challenging to clear, potentially causing delays that ripple throughout the global logistics network.
Force Majeure & Carrier Adjustments
As of now, major carriers like COSCO, CMA CGM, Evergreen and ONE have declared force majeure for the affected regions, invoking Clause 20 of their Bill of Lading. Despite these declarations, some carriers are still accepting bookings for U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports. This suggests that carriers may be betting on a short-term resolution. However, given the scale of the disruption, vessel cancellations and further delays remain likely, especially if congestion worsens at transshipment hubs. The effects are expected to reach Europe within the next two weeks.
Global Impacts & Growing Disruptions
Although the strike has ended for now, the three days of halted port activity have already reduced export capacity from Europe, Latin America, and other regions. This shrinkage has caused bottlenecks at origin ports, further disrupting global trade. Additionally, ongoing shipping diversions in the Red Sea, now entering their 292nd day, are compounding delays in other regions, making global supply chains even more fragile.
Air Freight Demand and Rising Rates
As ocean freight options dwindle, demand for air freight has surged significantly, driving air freight rates sharply upward. This trend particularly impacts time-sensitive shipments, adding new cost pressures for shippers. Companies relying on urgent deliveries should brace for continued rising costs as air freight capacity tightens.
Worsening Congestion and Long-Term Disruptions
Despite the strike’s resolution the congestion at key ports is expected to take weeks, if not months, to clear. Major transshipment hubs like Freeport, Cartagena, Panama, Kingston, and Caucedo are already experiencing delays, and congestion is expected to worsen. Businesses must continue to prepare for prolonged disruptions, as the backlog will have lasting effects on global trade routes and schedules.
Mitigation Strategies
JAS Worldwide Is Ready to Support You
Our people remain fully committed to assisting your business through these challenging times. Our team is not closely monitoring the situation and already delivering tailored solutions and effective contingency plans to keep your supply chain moving smoothly. Whether you require air freight alternatives, rerouting strategies, or expert advice, we are ensuring that disruptions are minimized. Contact your JAS representative today to learn how our proactive approach can help you navigate these challenges and create a logistics plan that meets your specific needs.
ATLANTA, August 20, 2025 – JAS is proud to announce that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has officially validated its near-term and net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets. This validation confirms that JAS’s decarbonization strategy is aligned with the latest scientific guidance to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, the most ambitious pathway under the Paris Agreement.
The SBTi has classified JAS’s near-term scope 1 and 2 emissions targets as in line with a 1.5°C trajectory and confirmed that its long-term targets meet the SBTi Net-Zero Standard, which outlines science-based ways to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.
Approved Science-Based Targets
Strengthening Environmental Action Across the Network
As highlighted in the 2024 Sustainability Report, the company is taking action to reduce emissions across its global network. Initiatives include more efficient routing, network optimization, increased use of renewable energy and low-emission fuels, and strong supplier engagement to decarbonize freight operations.
JAS is also an active participant in global sustainability platforms, including the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and the Smart Freight Centre (SFC), which support knowledge-sharing and collaborative action across the logistics industry.
A Call for Collaboration
JAS recognizes that no single company can tackle the climate crisis alone. Achieving global climate goals will require rapid, deep emissions cuts across all sectors. JAS encourages customers, carriers, and supply chain partners to align with climate science by setting their own 1.5°C-aligned and net-zero targets.
“We are proud to have our climate targets validated by the SBTi, and even more proud of the work already underway across our global teams,” says Andrea Goeman, Senior Vice President QHSE & Sustainability, JAS. “We work closely with our customers to consult them on sustainable logistics solutions and support them in making more climate-conscious decisions. This milestone reflects our long-term commitment to sustainability, aligned with our company’s purpose of creating opportunities to thrive together.”
To learn more about our climate strategy and progress, read the full JAS Sustainability Report 2024.
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Atlanta, GA – August 1, 2025 – JAS is pleased to announce two leadership updates that reflect the company's continued focus on global growth, innovation, and delivering value to its customers.
Manuele Mazzacurati, currently serving as Executive Vice President of Global Sales & Marketing, has been appointed Interim Chief Commercial Officer following David Bang’s departure to pursue another opportunity outside the organization. With nearly 18 years at JAS, Mazzacurati brings a wealth of experience spanning operations, regional leadership, and global commercial strategy.
With a strong customer focus and a proven track record of success in diverse markets, he is well-positioned to lead the commercial organization through this transition. In this expanded role, Mazzacurati will continue to steer global sales efforts while ensuring continuity and alignment across JAS’s commercial priorities.
Angus Haig has also joined JAS as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. With more than 30 years of international legal and corporate experience, Haig brings strong expertise in global business law, compliance, and strategic counsel. He previously served as SVP & General Counsel at Cox Automotive and held senior legal roles during a 19-year tenure at The Coca-Cola Company.
Leveraging his collaborative approach and international experience, Haig will oversee legal and compliance matters across JAS’s operations, helping JAS stay aligned with its values while navigating an increasingly complex business environment.
“These appointments reflect the strength and depth of talent across our global team,” said Marco Rebuffi, President & CEO of JAS. “We thank David for his leadership in strengthening JAS's global presence and laying the foundation for sustainable growth. We are confident that Manuele and Angus will play pivotal roles in driving JAS forward as we continue to stay focused on what matters most—our customers, our people, and our shared future."
With these appointments, JAS continues to strengthen its global leadership team and remains committed to developing innovative, sustainable logistics solutions that meet today's needs while preparing for tomorrow's challenges.
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About JAS
JAS, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, was founded in Milan, Italy, in 1978. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and supported by 7,000+ team members in more than 100 countries, it builds innovative and sustainable solutions that focus on customer needs and a better future for all. At the heart of JAS's success is its people, who deliver customer value. As one of the largest and fastest-growing privately-owned logistics companies, JAS is committed to creating opportunities for our communities, customers, and colleagues to thrive. Together.
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ATLANTA, July 27, 2025 – JAS, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, and Pentagon Freight Services ("Pentagon"), a highly specialized integrated Freight Forwarding, Project Logistics and Ships Agency provider headquartered in the UK, are pleased to announce the signing of a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA). This agreement represents a key step toward JAS's planned acquisition of Pentagon, which is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to regulatory approval.
"The Pentagon acquisition perfectly complements JAS's strategic goals, significantly increasing our ability to offer highly specialized logistics solutions for the oil and gas, marine, construction, and energy industries. We are looking forward to finalizing this acquisition to welcome Pentagon team members into the JAS family," said Marco Rebuffi, CEO and President of JAS.
"We are confident that JAS is the right company to expand our global network and achieve our growth ambitions. Our goal is to leverage our experience and continue to offer dedicated logistics solutions to our industry-leading clients. We look forward to growing stronger together with JAS," said Ashley Taylor, Group CEO of Pentagon.
Pentagon, headquartered in the UK, is a trusted provider of specialized freight forwarding, project logistics, and critical supply chain solutions for the oil and gas, energy, marine, and construction industries. With over 1200+ employees in 65 offices around the world, Pentagon's deep expertise and global reach will further enhance JAS's ability to deliver tailored, industry-specific solutions. This acquisition will strengthen JAS's position in these critical sectors, ensuring seamless and high-quality service that keeps complex customer operations moving across the globe.
Together, JAS and Pentagon will unlock new opportunities and deliver even greater value to customers by combining an expanded global network with a comprehensive portfolio of leading logistics solutions.
About JAS
JAS, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, was founded in Milan, Italy, in 1978. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and supported by 7,000+ team members in more than 100 countries, JAS focuses on creating solutions that are innovative, sustainable, and tailored to customer needs. As a privately owned company, JAS is committed to creating opportunities for communities, customers, and colleagues to thrive.
About Pentagon
Pentagon is a highly specialized global Freight Forwarding, Project Logistics and Ships Agency provider with a worldwide network of over 1200 employees and 65 offices. Headquartered in the UK, Pentagon has more than 50 years’ experience in serving the oil and gas and energy sectors. Pentagon focuses on delivering globally integrated supply chain solutions with local expertise, individually tailored to customers’ operations and requirements.
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