East Coast Port Strike: Billions in Trade at Stake, Supply Chain Chaos Ensues
A crippling strike by members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) at major East and Gulf Coast ports has thrown the nation’s logistics system into disarray. Now in its third day, the walkout has already cost billions of dollars in lost trade, stranded thousands of containers, and sent ripple effects throughout the supply chain, driving up costs for consumers and businesses alike. The situation is further complicated by a lack of progress in negotiations between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), leaving the duration of the strike, and the extent of the economic damage, uncertain.
Key Takeaways:
- Billions of dollars in trade are at stake as the East and Gulf Coast ports strike continues.
- Thousands of containers have been misdirected or are stranded at sea, disrupting supply chains.
- Shipping costs are skyrocketing due to port diversions, increased trucking distances, and surcharges.
- The strike threatens to cause significant inflation and shortages of goods, particularly perishable items and medical supplies.
- The Biden administration’s efforts to mediate a resolution have so far been unsuccessful, leaving the outcome uncertain.
The Impact of Port Diversions
In the frantic attempt to offload cargo before the strike began, ocean carriers resorted to dumping containers at alternative ports. This strategy, while seemingly expedient, has created a new set of problems. Vizion, a container movement tracking company, estimates that approximately 2,000 shipments ended up at unintended destinations. This has dramatically increased inland transportation costs. Paul Brashier, vice president of global logistics at ITS Logistics, explained, “These diversion dropoffs inflate the inland transportation cost. Trucking companies get paid for a round trip…The diversions are adding to transportation costs because of the additional mileage.” He cited an example where a 10-mile round trip in Savannah, costing $300, became a near 1,000-mile trip to Virginia, costing $2,000.
The Ripple Effect on Shippers
Brashier highlighted the lack of warning from ocean carriers, leaving shippers scrambling to find last-minute trucking capacity at unfamiliar ports. “Pre-strike and post-strike out-of-network container diversions are already driving up shipping costs,” he emphasized. The situation is further exacerbated by demurrage fees—penalties for keeping containers at the port longer than allowed—which can cost thousands of dollars per day. This adds another layer of complexity and cost to an already strained system.
Container Ships Re-routing and Waiting
Exclusive data from Vizion and Everstream Analytics reveals that five vessels altered their destinations on October 1st, diverting from US East Coast ports to international locations. Mirko Woitzik, director of intelligence solutions at Everstream Analytics, noted that Hapag-Lloyd was among the first to divert, with the Stadt Dresden rerouted to the Mediterranean Sea instead of Savannah. Other vessels, including those operated by MSC, shifted their destinations to ports in the Bahamas and Canada, further illustrating the widespread impact of the strike.
The Growing Vessel Queue
Everstream Analytics forecasts that the number of vessels waiting offshore could exceed 100 by the end of the week if a resolution isn’t reached. This buildup of ships adds to the congestion and delays, amplifying the problems once the port finally reopens. The sheer volume of vessels waiting outside the ports of Savannah, Norfolk, and New York underscores the severity of the situation and the potential for prolonged disruption.
The Threat of Escalation
ILA President Harold Daggett has issued a stark warning, indicating a potential for further escalation. He threatened that longshoremen would travel to alternative ports where diverted vessels attempt to unload freight, referencing a similar action taken during the 1977 strike. The ILA’s response to the port diversions remains crucial in determining whether the strike will escalate beyond its current scope. The union’s actions, or inactions, will heavily influence the trajectory and overall impact of the current labor dispute. The potential for ILA members to intervene at ports outside of their traditional jurisdiction represents a significant escalation of the conflict.
Impact on Consumers and the Economy
The consequences of the strike extend far beyond the ports themselves, directly impacting consumers and the economy. The daily cost to the US economy is estimated to be at least $500 million, potentially surging to $2 billion per day if the strike continues for weeks, according to Moody’s Analytics. This underscores the enormous economic significance of the situation and the far-reaching consequences of prolonged disruption. This economic impact is only likely to increase as the strike continues, potentially resulting in significant inflationary pressures.
Food Shortages and Price Increases
Stew Leonard Jr., CEO of Stew Leonard’s grocery stores, highlighted the potential impact on food supplies. While his stores have front-loaded inventory, he anticipates challenges in sourcing fresh produce and seafood. “Customers who may like the sweet Brazilian shrimp may have to buy Gulf shrimp,” he noted. He also stated that the price of bananas could double due to increased transportation costs. The impact on perishable goods is a particularly concerning aspect of this situation, as prolonged delays can lead to spoilage and shortages.
Medical Supply Disruptions
The disruption also affects medical supplies. Brandon Daniels, CEO of Exiger, highlighted the already strained situation caused by the ongoing war in Israel, stating, “Many key medicines are manufactured in Israel and production is slowed by the war…In addition, medical supplies…are stuck in ships waiting to be unloaded by striking dockworkers.” The combined impact of the strike and geopolitical instability makes the timely delivery of essential medical supplies uncertain, posing significant risks to public health.
Major Retailers Affected
The impact extends to major retailers including Walmart, Amazon, Home Depot, and Nike with significant quantities of goods stalled both at sea and in the ports themselves. This floating storage exacerbates the situation, creating a backlog that will further compound problems once the workers return. The sheer volume of goods affected underscores the interconnected nature of global supply chains and the significant consequences of disruptions at key transportation hubs.
Looking Ahead: Uncertain Future
Christian Roeloffs, co-founder and CEO of Container xChange, stressed the challenges for businesses, saying: “This could result in skyrocketing logistics costs and delays, making it harder to secure containers.” Adding to the complexity are the surcharges imposed by ocean carriers, which can reach millions of dollars. The lack of a near-term resolution to the strike leaves businesses facing an uncertain future, and the possibility of significant further disruptions and costs. The potential for prolonged delays and escalating costs poses a serious threat to the stability of the supply chain and the broader economy.
The sheer scale of this port strike and its escalating impact highlights the interconnectedness of global trade and the critical role of ports in maintaining the flow of goods. With every passing day, the economic and social costs grow, bringing into sharp focus the urgent need for a swift resolution to this crisis.