Update – US Port Strike and Impact on Shipments

We want to bring your attention to an important development that could significantly impact your shipments. Negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have stalled. The ILA, representing dockworkers on the East and South Coasts, has indicated that a strike may begin on October 1, 2024, if no new agreements are reached before the current contract expires on September 30.

Should a strike occur, it could cause considerable delays for ocean freight passing through these critical ports.

In preparation, NWS Shipping would like to inform you of the following surcharges that may take effect:

– Extra Congestion Surcharge (Effective October 1, 2024). Charges will range from USD 1,000 to USD 1,500 per TEU, depending on the shipping line.

These surcharges will remain in place until operations return to normal.

For imports passing through the affected ports, delays due to the strike or related issues may also lead to additional costs, which will be calculated based on the volume of the shipment and passed on to our clients.

Furthermore, some carriers have already stated that they may halt accepting import bookings during the strike.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep you updated. Please reach out to your NWS Shipping representative if you have any questions or need assistance with your shipments during this time.