ALERTS & ​ADVISORIES

Strike Alert: Immediate Disruption at East and Gulf Coast Ports

Business Impact & Mitigation Strategies

By
October 1, 2024
Strike to Disrupt East and Gulf Coast Ports—Immediate Business Impact
Strike to Disrupt East and Gulf Coast Ports—Immediate Business Impact

Urgent Notice: As of 12:01 AM on October 1st, a major strike involving nearly 50,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has disrupted operations at critical East and Gulf Coast ports. This unprecedented work stoppage is already halting the flow of goods through vital cargo hubs from Maine to Texas, significantly impacting U.S. imports and exports. The strike is expected to ripple across the entire supply chain, threatening U.S. businesses with delays, higher costs, and logistical bottlenecks.

What’s Happening: For the first time in decades, dockworkers at 36 ports along the East and Gulf Coasts have gone on strike over key issues, including wages and the increasing use of automation. This disruption extends beyond U.S. borders, as solidarity actions have also been announced by labor unions in Canada, with the Montreal Longshoremen’s Union planning work stoppages at major terminals. Norfolk Southern has issued a port curtailment schedule, further complicating inland transport, while surging ocean freight rates and growing port congestion loom large for businesses dependent on timely deliveries.

What’s at Stake:

Operations at 36 key ports—responsible for handling nearly half of all U.S. trade—are at a standstill. The economic impact will be felt across industries:

  • Severe Supply Chain Disruptions: Container ports are halted, delaying critical shipments and production schedules.
  • Extended Transit Times: Rerouting and bottlenecks will push delivery times beyond standard windows, potentially forcing costly adjustments.
  • Higher Freight Rates & Surcharges: Increased demand and storage congestion have already triggered ocean carrier surcharges. Some shipping lines published Force Majeure declarations.
  • Global Ripple Effects: Heightened demand for alternate shipping routes and ports may worsen congestion globally, slowing the movement of goods across borders

Key Impacts for Your Business:

  • Port Closures: Expect significant shutdowns at key East and Gulf Coast ports, causing massive delays.
  • Shipping Delays: Cargo destined for these regions will face prolonged wait times, even after the strike is resolved.
  • Costly Storage Fees: Stranded cargo could incur substantial detention and demurrage charges.
  • Industry-Wide Fallout: Retailers and importers—particularly during peak season—are most at risk for severe disruptions.
  • Global Shipping Congestion: Anticipate an increase in freight rates as demand for alternative routes skyrockets.

Proactive Recommendations to Minimize Disruption:

  1. Prepare for West Coast Congestion: Cargo will likely reroute to West Coast ports, further straining capacity and driving up costs.
  2. Expect Docking Delays: Once the strike ends, a backlog of shipments will still cause prolonged delays at East and Gulf Coast ports.
  3. Consider Air Freight: For urgent shipments, air freight offers the quickest solution. While demand will likely drive rates up, JAS provides a range of air cargo options.
  4. Plan for Increased Costs: Expect rising shipping rates, along with elevated storage, detention, and demurrage fees as congestion intensifies.
  5. Review Incoterms: Ensure that all financial responsibilities for delays or rerouting are clear between all parties involved.

JAS is Here to Support You:

During this critical period, JAS is committed to minimizing the disruption to your business. We’ve developed comprehensive contingency plans, including:

  • Alternative Solutions: Air freight and strategic rerouting options for time-sensitive shipments.
  • Tailored Logistics: Our team will work closely with you to create customized strategies that maintain supply chain continuity.

Next Steps:

Reach out to your JAS representative today to discuss tailored logistics solutions and how we can help your business navigate this challenging situation.

JAS Worldwide is dedicated to supporting you through these turbulent times. Rest assured, we’re working diligently to keep your operations running as smoothly as possible.

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JAS’s Science-Based Climate Targets Validated by the SBTi

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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

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    • Reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 90% from a 2023 base year
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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.

JAS is pleased to announce two key leadership appointments—Manuele Mazzacurati as Interim Chief Commercial Officer and Angus Haig as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer.

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.

Marco Rebuffi, CEO and President of JAS (left), and Ashley Taylor, Group CEO of Pentagon (right).

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"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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