Automation dispute triggers strikes in US ports

Photo: Woodland Group

An ILA port strike in the USA, involving 45,000 dockworkers, began at midnight on 1 October, closing around 36 ports on the East and Gulf Coasts. This industrial action significantly affects nearly half of the country’s import and export activities, leading to disruptions and delays in supply chains.

Issues surrounding wage increases and the ILA's opposition to the automation of port operations, which is being challenged by the US Maritime Alliance, are central to the dispute. In response, carriers have activated force majeure clauses, allowing them to divert services to alternative ports, with additional costs to be borne by cargo owners.

Export surcharges are also being imposed, with CMA CGM introducing fees of USD 800 per teu and USD 1,000 per feu, starting on 11 October. ACL will implement a network congestion fee from 20 October, which will affect US containers destined for Europe, the UK and Scandinavia.

The Woodland Group is monitoring the situation and offers impacted customers solutions. (pb)

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