Port Labor Concerns on the US West Coast as Contract Negotiations Continue
Port Terminals at Los Angeles / Long Beach closed unexpectedly April 7, 2023
All international container terminals were closed at the Port of Los Angeles / Long Beach for Thursday’s night shift (April 6, 2023) and Friday’s day shift (April 7, 2023).
Industry sources suggest this was linked to the last day of ILWU Local 13’s president but an official notice from the ILWU Local 13 union on April 7, 2023 did not mention any strike action. The statement mentioned “On Friday, April 7, 2023, union members who observe religious holidays took the opportunity to celebrate with their families.”
Port contract negotiations are still ongoing and entering the 11th month without a master contract for US West Coast ports.
France – Strike action continues week of April 10, 2023
More strike action is anticipated again this week. Fos sur Mer port workers will be on strike every day for a four hour period and will be closed 24 hours on Thursday April 13th for a national strike day. Le Havre port is expected to observe the same as well.
Given the massive disruption the continued strikes have had on scheduled shipments, customers should consider the limitations of movements this causes and associated charges from delays or diversions.
Below we have outlined shipment options to review based on the sensitivity and urgency of your pending orders from France.
Option 1: Shipment from another European port
Diverting orders to other ports outside of France will incur an extra transport costs and transit times will vary depending on shipping service schedules. We have prepared additional FOB/FCA pricing options; please inquire with your sales contact.
Option 2: Postpone non-urgent shipments
For non-urgent orders that are not picked up, you have the option to postpone scheduled shipments, bearing in mind that there will be residual delays and congestion when terminals reopen.
Option 3: No change to scheduled shipments
If you take no action, be advised that shipments will be delayed and there will be additional charges indirectly associated with the strikes – detention, demurrage, storage and security charges, etc. These charges will be applicable to the buyer or seller according to the shipment incoterm rules.
USA TTB Releases CBMA Importer Claims Portal
The US TTB has announced the release of the USA Importer Claims system available in myTTB last week. They have provided a user guide and updated links in today’s TTB bulletin.
We are reviewing the latest information and procedures, please contact your representative if you have questions on CBMA filing through Hillebrand Gori.
DHL Releases April Ocean Freight Market Report
Take a deeper dive into market conditions and trade lane capacity in the latest ocean freight market update from DHL here.