Ongoing negotiations between the ILA and the USMX

As you may have seen in recent news, labor negotiations between the ILA and the USMX remain unresolved. While a tentative agreement was reached in October 2024 to extend the Master Contract until January 15, 2025, key issues are still under negotiation, raising concerns about potential port disruptions.

Despite ongoing efforts to reach a resolution, the risk of disruption is increasing as the deadline approaches, though the situation remains dynamic.

We are committed to keeping you informed in real-time as the situation evolves. To assist with your cargo planning, please visit our live tracker, which provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), options for your import and export cargo, and details on how detention, demurrage, and storage charges will be handled during this period.

• For our import customers (all container types), we encourage you to expedite the readiness of your import documentation and customs clearance to facilitate the prompt retrieval of your cargo from the terminal before any potential work stoppage. 
  • For our Carrier Haulage customers, please ensure compliance with the 5-day rule for your import cargo at U.S. Inland Terminals. More details on the 5-day rule can be found here.
• For our export customers (all container types), we will continue to accept bookings to the U.S. East Coast and Gulf ports as long as rail providers and terminals are accepting containers. 
  • Ports have advised that reefer containers may not be monitored during any port closures in the event of a strike. We recommend planning your shipments accordingly to avoid any disruptions. 

Given the evolving nature of the situation, this information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at this time. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest news sent directly to your email inbox by subscribing here. Alternatively, please bookmark this page to stay up to date with the latest developments.

We appreciate your understanding and value your continued trust and partnership. Should you have any concerns or require additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to our teams at your location.