CUSTOMER ADVISORY: U.S. East and Gulf Coast Port Operations Update

30 Sep, 2024 by Cherry Pascual

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

as of October 4, 2024

We are pleased to announce that the labor dispute between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) has been temporarily resolved. 

As of Thursday, October 3, a modified Master Contract will be in effect until January 15, 2025. The parties have tentatively agreed on wage increases and ending the strike that disrupted U.S. East and Gulf Coast port operations. While the ILA and USMX have agreed to resume work starting Friday, October 4, some terminals will remain closed, and they have advised updated weekend hours.
 

UPDATED TERMINAL HOURS

Please refer below for detailed information on the updated terminal hours:

NEW YORK

Maher Terminal

• Gate operations open from 7 AM to 3 PM on Sunday, October 6
• Import deliveries dry containers only (no reefers)
• Receive empty containers as part of an import pick-up (double move)
• Limited export (dry containers) receiving
• Empty depot operated by Columbia, open from 7 AM to 3 PM Sunday, October 6 (empty deliveries only)

Port Liberty Bayonne

• Resuming normal operating hours on October 7
• Operating without appointments on October 7
• PTP site will be available on October 7 for booking appointments on October 8

Port Liberty, New York

• Resuming normal operating hours on October 7  

Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT)

• Closed Friday, October 4
• Gates to reopen Monday, October 7

NORFOLK

NIT/VIG

• Motor carriers are encouraged to use the Trucker Reservation System from Saturday, October 5, to Monday, October 7
• Reservations open starting 9 AM Friday, October 4
• Vessel operations are to begin at 7 PM on October 4
• All gates at NIT and VIF will open at 7 AM

CHARLESTON

Wando Welch/North Charleston/HLT

• Gate hours to resume starting at 6 AM Friday, October 4
• Vessel operations to resume at 7 AM Friday, October 4
• Gate hours for dry containers are from 6 AM to 5 PM on Saturday, October 5 (Wando Welch/North Charleston)
• Gate hours for dry containers from 8 AM to 12 PM/1 PM-5 PM October 5 (HLT)

SAVANNAH

Garden City Terminal

• Gate hours are from 6 AM to 6 PM on Friday, October 4
• Gate hours are from 8 AM to 5 PM on Saturday, October 5 (Reefer service all day)
• Gate hours are from 8 AM to 5 PM Sunday, October 6 (Reefer Service from 8 AM -12 PM)
• Rail operations resumed at 7 AM on Friday, October 4 =

Ocean Terminal

• Gate hours are 8 AM to 5 PM
• No weekend gate hours

MIAMI

SFCT

• Gates reopening at 9 AM Friday, October 4

Seaboard Marine

• Fully resumed operation

POMTOC

• Gates reopening at 8 AM Friday, October 4
• Demurrage: Containers still within their free time on Tuesday, October 1, will have their free time extended when the terminal operations. Containers already in demurrage, or containers that go into demurrage on Tuesday, October 1, will remain in demurrage until operations resume and the containers are picked up

PORT EVERGLADES

Florida International Terminal

• Gate operations for import pickup, empty pick up, and empty drop-off are to resume at 7 AM Friday, October 4
• No appointments for export drop-offs on Friday, October 4
• Other appointments to be available soon

PORT OF HOUSTON

Bayport/Barbours Cut

• Gate hours from 1 PM – 8 PM Friday, October 4 (Ingate closes at 7 PM) Friday, October 4
• No reefers after 5 PM Friday, October 4
• Confirm LFD and extension requests directly with carriers on Friday, October 4
• Rail operations have resumed Friday, October 4
• Vessel operations to resume at 7 PM Friday, October 4
• Extended gate hours 8 AM – 5 PM (Ingate closes at 4 PM) Saturday, October 5
• No reefers/out of gauge Saturday, October 5
• Onsite empty yards to match gate hours Saturday, October 5
• Confirm LFD and extension requests directly with carriers on Saturday, October 5

JACKSONVILLE

SSA Jacksonville/Blount Island

• Dames Point and ICTF will be closed (set to reopen Monday, October 7 at 8 AM)
• Gate hours to resume starting at 1 PM Friday, October 4

as of October 1, 2024

As of 12:01 a.m. (ET) on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) officially launched a coast-wide strike, disrupting port operations from Maine to Texas. This action affects all major ports along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts, significantly resulting in a complete halt of goods pick-up and delivery at the following major ports:

• Port of New York/New Jersey
• Port of Savannah, GA
• Port of Houston, TX
• Port of Miami, FL
• Port of Boston, MA
• Port of New Orleans, LA
• Port of Charleston, SC
• Port of Baltimore, MD
• Port of Philadelphia, PA
• Port of Wilmington, DE
• Port of Mobile, AL
• Port of Tampa, FL
• Port of Freeport, TX
• Port of Jacksonville, FL

Limited Operations at Select Terminals

Please note that a few individual terminals are operating on a limited scale:

• Port Everglades: Crowley Terminal, King Ocean Terminal
• Port of Miami: Seaboard Marine
• Port of Virginia: Richmond Marine Terminal, Virginia Inland Port, Portsmouth Marine Terminal

READ: IRIS Lines unveils all-new Philippine Domestic Service (PDX)

as of September 30, 2024

This is to provide you with an update on the ongoing discussions between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). If no agreement is reached by September 30, 2024, a strike commencing on October 1 could impact port operations along the East and Gulf Coasts. 

Our Response: 

We are actively monitoring the situation and will keep you updated on any significant developments. Royal Cargo remains fully committed to supporting your business during this challenging time. We strongly encourage you to coordinate with your local Royal Cargo representatives to ensure minimal disruption. Efforts are underway to provide alternative logistics solutions to maintain uninterrupted service and mitigate potential impacts. 

For the latest updates, please visit this webpage regularly. Should you have any questions or require assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Royal Cargo representative. Your continued support and understanding are greatly appreciated.

Anticipated Impacts:

• Disruptions: A widespread ILA strike would be the first since 1977, causing significant disruptions and potential cost increases across multiple industries.
• Delays and Rerouting: Expect port congestion, operational delays, and the possibility of shipments being rerouted, leading to longer waiting times and potential surcharges.

Strike Update:

On September 29, 2024, the ILA signaled its intent to strike, with plans to begin picketing at 12:01 AM on October 1. The USMX has expressed that negotiations remain at an impasse, and no further discussions are scheduled at this time.

Port Closures and Contingency Plans: 

Several terminals have announced early closures for Monday, September 30, 2024, in anticipation of a potential strike:

• New York:
  • PNCT: Closing at 2 PM
  • PCT Maher: Closing between 1-2 PM
  • Liberty: Closing between 1-2 PM
• Boston: Closing at 4:15 PM
• Norfolk: Closing at 12 PM
• Charleston: Closing at 5 PM
• Savannah: Closing at 5:30 PM
• Miami: Closing at 4 PM
• Houston: Closing at 4 PM

Additionally, PNCT will be closed on October 1, 2024, due to the work stoppage, and GCT Bayonne will not display appointment timeslots for October 1. Normal operations will continue on Monday, September 30, with appointment requirements from 6 AM to 1 PM for all move types.

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