Union rejects US rail contract reviving strike risk, update on strikes in UK, South Africa, New Zealand loading delays and Hapag GMX routing change to US West Coast

USA Rail union rejects tentative agreement, revives strike risk

The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way (BMWED) rail union has voted down the tentative rail labor agreement brokered last month.  So far four unions have approved the deal with seven unions scheduled to cast their votes through mid November. 

This latest development triggers a “status quo” period in which no strike could take place until November 19th at the earliest.  If one union goes on strike, the remaining unions could refuse to cross picket lines. 

You can view more in this article from the American Journal of Transportation.

UK – Liverpool begins second round of strike action and announces additional two week strike 

​​​​The Port of Liverpool started their second round of strike action today which is planned through 6AM October 17th, 2022.  Another two week period of strike action was announced for 6AM October 24, 2022 through 6AM November 11, 2022.   

This will impact scheduled ocean and rail services to ports with vessel diversions to other UK ports.  Plan for disruption, road/rail capacity issues and additional delays/costs. 

South Africa Rail and Port Strike this week

South Africa labor unions went on strike October 4th, 2022.  Transnet has declared force majeure and there are limited operations at the port terminals they operate.  Industry groups are urging the parties to work together and come to a resolution.   

Prepare for disruption in cargo movements and additional origin handling charges for shipments from South Africa.

Delays in transport in New Zealand (south island)

​​​​​​Due to highway infrastructure damage following recent flooding in the south island, crews will begin road repairs on the main highway SH6 between Nelson and Blenheim.  The construction is scheduled to begin on Nov 1, 2022 and last seven weeks.

Traffic will be rerouted via SH63 which will add to the transit time and incur additional charges due to heavily reduced capacity.  Plan for delays for packing, fitting and transport from this area.  

Hapag-Lloyd routing change in GMX service to US West Coast 

Starting with the London Express 04W39, Hapag-Lloyd will change the routing for wine and spirits shipments from Italy to the US on their GMX service.  Instead of routing via Norfolk, this service will route containers via Houston port. 

Please check the weights with your suppliers on all full container loads moving with Hapag-Lloyd to verify compliance with weight restrictions through to final destination(s).