To our valued customers,
We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to provide you with additional information about the port strike you’ve likely been hearing about on the news and how this will affect delivery of your orders in the upcoming months.
The strike that had shut down a total of 36 ports along the East and Gulf coasts stranding between 43%-49% of all U.S. imports has ended.
CBI’s shipments are routed through the US West Coast which is currently open and operational.
East and Gulf Coast Port Strike parties involved:
USMA - United States Maritime Alliance represents employers of the East and Gulf Coast longshore industry. Membership consists of Container Carriers, including the largest carriers and carrier alliances worldwide, all major Marine Terminal Operators, and Port Associations representing each port on the East and Gulf Coasts.
ILA -
“The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. have reached a tentative agreement on wages and have agreed to extend the Master Contract until January 15, 2025, to return to the bargaining table to negotiate all other outstanding issues,” The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance said in a joint statement.
Expected Effects of the strike as work resumes in the East and Gulf ports:
At least 45 container vessels that have been unable to unload are anchored outside the East and Gulf Coast ports with an additional 55 vessels enroute. It may take several weeks to clear the port congestion.
West Coast port volumes have increased between 20% - 34% over the last several months causing severe port congestion and rail delays not seen since the pandemic era. While we are currently seeing approximately a 3-week delay in rail movement to Chicago, additional volumes enroute to the west to avoid the strike may cause a domino effect on current supply chain challenges. Delays may start to mirror the 6 – 8 weeks, or longer as seen during the COVID years.
Ocean carriers are posting new surcharges between $1,000 to $3,000 per container starting in mid to late October. Cargo on the water currently heading to the East/Gulf regions may be slow steamed to delay vessel arrival, then wait off the coast for the port congestion to clear after the ports reopen.
CBI’s shipments have been delayed several months starting with the issues around the Suez Canal and Red Sea that forced cargo diversions around Africa. Carriers were refusing bookings for months with inflated rates as they did during the COVID years. It has been very challenging getting our goods shipped.
CBI will have some difficulty delivering your Christmas goods timely due to the many delays that started in May. We are actively monitoring the situation and working closely with our shipping partners to mitigate any potential impact on your shipments. However, we advise planning ahead and allowing for additional transit time for your orders.
We are committed to honoring the quoted price for all items in your order. There will be no surcharges or additional fees applied.
Please feel free to reach out to our customer service team if you have any specific concerns or need further assistance regarding your shipments. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this period of uncertainty.
Best regards,
Craig Bachman
President
Craig Bachman Imports, Inc.
