UPDATE: West Coast Port Negotiation Status
The following provides updated information on the West Coast Port negotiations:
- The talks began on May 12th, and then recently on June 10th Jim McKenna (president of PMA) advised that negotiations:
“are ongoing and positive.”
Similarly on June 5th in a joint statement by both parties: they expressed the same sentiment. [from the JOC]
- Both sides have said that they are unlikely to agree before the current contract expires June 30th, but they plan to negotiate past that deadline.
However, if negotiators believe they are close to reaching an agreement, they could extend the no-strike clause for a week or two. Early July is usually uneventful anyway because it is a heavy vacation week. On the other hand, if negotiators are far apart on key issues, they may let the no-strike clause expire.[JOC]
- Agriculture Transportation Coalition warns, in a letter to both sides, that a port shutdown due to failed contract negotiations would be devastating in the short-term. Additionally, if persistent production issues are not addressed, this will force long-term changes of agricultural products to other ports. Read more
- Congestion surcharges – Forwarders ask for further clarification from the FMC [Federal Maritime Commission] – Read Here
- Cargo volumes have increased for the West Coast ports for first five months of this year by around 8%. Due to the concerns about a potential dock strike, many companies have been shipping early to the West Coast ports as well as other to other ports. Read More
What’s are the risks? Read this from the AP Superior Freight Services, Inc. is keeping abreast of the West Coast dock negotiations and will advise any updates on our news/blog regarding the status of the negotiations. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at superior@supfrt.com or 800.298.4305.
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