Maersk, the world’s second-largest container shipping company, has issued a crucial advisory urging shippers to retrieve their containers from U.S. Eastern Seaboard and Gulf Coast ports before January 15. This recommendation comes in anticipation of a possible longshore strike that could disrupt operations at numerous port facilities from Maine to Texas. The Denmark-based carrier also emphasized the importance of returning empty containers before the expiration of the current dockworkers’ contract extension. The potential strike stems from prolonged labor disputes between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). These disputes have been ongoing despite prior agreements, including a conditional 62% pay raise following an October work stoppage by 45,000 ILA members. In the event of a strike, containers left at ports would likely remain inaccessible for the duration of the work stoppage, creating significant delays and logistical challenges. Maersk described their advisory as a… ...[TheTopNews] Read More.
2 weeks ago
