Dear Customer,

As you may already be aware, a potential longshoremen’s strike has been announced for October 1st, which may impact operations at all East Coast and Gulf ports. As your logistics partner, it is our priority to keep you informed of developments that could affect your business. This possible strike could cause significant disruptions in cargo handling and delays in the movement of goods through these critical ports, which handle over 40% of the nation’s containerized cargo. Such disruptions could have far-reaching implications for supply chains across various industries. We expect serious disruptions to start before October 1st. Moreover, a possible rate increase or port congestion surcharges applied by shipping lines cannot be ruled out.

Negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are ongoing, with a decision expected in the first week of September.

While we remain hopeful for a resolution that avoids a strike, it is essential to consider precautionary measures now. To mitigate the impact of a potential disruption, we recommend reviewing and adjusting your logistics plans and shipping schedules. Options such as expediting shipments before the anticipated strike date or delaying non-urgent cargo until the situation is resolved could help minimize delays and avoid additional costs. Additionally, exploring alternative shipping routes or methods, like routing through unaffected ports or utilizing air freight for critical deliveries, may prove beneficial. Please be aware that while current discussions are focused on the East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, other rail ramps under the jurisdiction of the ILA could also be affected if the strike expands. Any escalation might lead to broader disruptions. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide timely updates as it evolves, including any measures we are taking to manage potential impacts on your shipments. We share your concern, as there are strong indications that this strike could occur. Even a brief strike could cause significant congestion across the U.S. and Canada, necessitating alternative routing strategies and potentially requiring carriers to terminate voyages before reaching North American ports. Let’s stay in close communication to address this potential challenge together.

Our sales, operations, and customer service representatives will do their utmost to support you in proposing alternative solutions to minimize the impact on your operations and supply chain.

Thank you for your attention and continued patronage.

Ivo Giovannini
President and CEO of Aprile