ALERTS & ​ADVISORIES

Strike Alert: Dockworkers Set to Walk Off at Midnight

Imminent Strike to Disrupt East and Gulf Coast Ports—Immediate Business Impact

By
September 30, 2024
Imminent Strike to Disrupt East and Gulf Coast Ports—Immediate Business Impact
Imminent Strike to Disrupt East and Gulf Coast Ports—Immediate Business Impact

There is no resolution in sight: negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) have stalled, making a strike by 45,000 dockworkers look inevitable. The strike, which is set to commence at midnight, poses a critical threat to U.S. supply chains, with widespread port closures expected across the East and Gulf coasts.

What’s at Stake: This disruption could grind operations to a halt at 36 key ports—responsible for handling nearly 50% of all U.S. trade. The ripple effect on businesses could be significant, leading to:

  • Severe supply chain delays and halted operations at crucial container ports.
  • Extended transit times and the need for costly rerouting.
  • Higher shipping rates and additional fees due to cargo congestion and storage.
  • Surcharges from carriers already announced, including declarations of Force Majeure by some.
  • Global shipping slowdowns as bottlenecks intensify.

Key Impacts for Your Business:

  • Port Closures: Expect major disruptions at East and Gulf Coast entry points.
  • Shipping Delays: Prolonged transit times could lead to increased costs for businesses and consumers.
  • Costly Storage Fees: Stranded cargo may result in significant detention and demurrage charges.
  • Industry-Wide Ripples: Retailers and importers will feel the effects, especially during peak season.
  • Global Congestion: Heightened demand for alternative routes and services will drive freight rates higher.

Proactive Recommendations to Minimize Disruption:

  1. Prepare for West Coast Congestion: As cargo reroutes to the West Coast, anticipate delays and increased fees due to congestion.
  2. Expect Docking Delays: Cargo destined for East and Gulf Coast ports will experience prolonged wait times, even post-strike.
  3. Consider Air Freight: For urgent shipments, air freight remains the quickest option. JAS offers a variety of air cargo solutions, though high demand will likely push rates up.
  4. Plan for Increased Costs: Rising demand and delays will lead to higher shipping rates, along with elevated storage, detention, and demurrage fees.
  5. Review Incoterms: Ensure that all parties are clear on financial responsibilities for additional costs caused by delays or rerouting.

JAS is Here to Support You:

To help navigate these challenges, JAS has developed contingency plans. We recommend exploring alternative solutions like air freight for time-sensitive shipments or strategic rerouting to minimize delays. Our team is ready to tailor logistics strategies to keep your supply chain moving.

Contact your JAS representative today to discuss how we can support your business during this critical time.

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Celebrating sustainability success: JAS China recognized by the China-Italian Chamber of Commerce.

JAS China was honored with the 2025 Panda d'Oro-Sustainability Award at the annual China-Italian Chamber of Commerce awards ceremony. The sustainability award is presented to companies that actively promote green business practices and environmental responsibility. The recognition acknowledges JAS’s commitment to sustainable development and implementing strategies that have a real impact on business, society and environment. Cissy Lu, Chief Commercial Officer of JAS China, and Mario Tasso, Regional Account Manager JAS APAC, accepted the award on behalf of the company.
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JAS has once again been honored by Flowserve Corporation, a global leader in flow control solutions, securing the Freight Forwarder of the Year 2024 award. This marks the second year in a row JAS has been recognized by Flowserve, reinforcing its position as a trusted logistics partner in Flowserve’s supply chain.

JAS’s 2024 recognition builds on its exceptional 2023 performance, which included Customs Broker of the Year and Best Account Management of the Year awards, with a special commendation for Regional Account Manager Katarina Cook. Flowserve annually awards five logistics partners across three freight forwarding and two non-freight categories (e.g., trucking, small packages), making JAS’s multi-year success a testament to its operational excellence and client-centric approach.

“We are proud to receive this award; it is a testament to the dedication and passion of every JAS team member across the globe. It proves that at JAS, it’s our people who truly make the difference,” Manuele Mazzacurati, EVP Global Sales and Marketing, JAS.

“JAS plays a vital role in keeping our operations in motion. Their dedication to operational excellence, collaborative approach and innovative adoption of new technologies have been instrumental in supporting our mission to deliver reliable flow control solutions worldwide,” said Matt Dowgill, Flowserve’s Vice President of Global Supply Chain. “This award reflects not only their performance but also their commitment to helping Flowserve develop and mature our logistics function.”

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.

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