As of this morning, October 4th 2024, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a tentative agreement on wages. The master contract has been extended to January 15th, 2025 and the ILA workers are back to work while continuing to negotiate on other issues, such as automation on the docks.

We expect a slight backlog as the movement of international cargo to and from the various East Coast and Gulf ports begins and as these international vessels get back on a regular rotation. Cargo movement to and from Puerto Rico remains steady, so shipments to and from the island will continue to move as normal.

Aqua Gulf remains vigilant in handling any disruptions to the supply chain. As we’ve done for the past 58 years, our team of logistics experts will provide unmatched supply chain solutions. Even in the face of natural disasters, pandemics, and strikes, trust that Aqua Gulf will get it done for you.

Thank you for your constant trust in our team. Please reach out if you have any further questions.

The Aqua Gulf Family

As of this morning, October 3rd 2024, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) remain on strike throughout various Gulf and East Coast ports as they and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) have yet to reach a new agreement.

Currently, our partners on the island of Puerto Rico are moving cargo as normal to and from Puerto Rico without any disruptions. Furthermore, our team is ready and equipped to offer the necessary solutions and expertise to handle your international cargo.

We are grateful for your continued confidence in our team. Please contact us if you would like to explore cargo options or have any further questions.

The Aqua Gulf Family

As of this morning, October 1st 2024, there has not been a resolution to the ongoing negotiations between the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). As a result, various Gulf and East Coast Port operations will be affected.

While the likelihood of port congestion and delays increases, Aqua Gulf assures you that we are there for you. Our team is fully prepared to effectively navigate these disruptions and can offer our decades-worth of expertise to move your international cargo.

We thank you for your continued trust in our team and are here for you as this situation unfolds. We encourage you to reach out should you like to discuss moving your international cargo or if you have any further questions.

The Aqua Gulf Family

In order to keep you duly informed, we are sharing the proactive measures that CMA CGM will implement to mitigate any potential impact to your cargo given the anticipated disruption to East and Gulf Coasts services starting Tuesday, October 1, 2024, due to a potential strike action (port disruption).

NA Exports via U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast:
If the strike occurs, all U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast export bookings for sailings after September 30 will be impacted, details provided below.  Booking adjustments including rolls to other vessels or cancellations may be needed, beginning with vessels during the week of September 23, 2024.  

New Export Bookings: 

• CMA CGM will continue to accept Dry Coastal/local bookings.   

• CMA CGM is still accepting Reefer coastal/local bookings.       

• CMA CGM is no longer accepting rail cargo bookings until further notice.  Client solutions will review alternate options if available upon receipt of the booking request. 

Please note import shipments may be impacted due to vessel omissions or change of rotations within the vessel schedule. CMA CGM will contact all impacted customers with the latest details available.

NA Imports via U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coasts:
CMA CGM encourages customers to pick up their import cargo prior to September 30, 2024.  Reefer shipments will not be monitored during the port disruption.

Scope of U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coasts: 
New Jersey/ New York/ Baltimore / Norfolk / Philadelphia / Charleston / Savannah / Jacksonville / Port Everglades / Miami / Houston / Mobile / New Orleans

We would like to inform you that in light of the potential strike action by the International Longshoreman Association (ILA), there may be a disruption to East and Gulf Coasts services starting October 1st, 2024. In case there will be a strike, it may disrupt container availability, cargo and regular vessel operation in the U.S East Coast and Gulf ports.

We recommend all customers to adhere to the relevant port authorities and intermodal service providers guidelines regarding the opening / closing times schedules of all facilities.

 Export Shipments: While we continue to accept dry bookings, we stopped accepting booking for export of Dangerous good (DG) and Reefer cargo. Please note that existing DG and Reefers bookings with sail dates from October 1st ,2024 forward have been canceled and will need to be rebooked, once we resume accepting new booking. All customers should make the necessary alternative arrangements in order to avoid the risk of any damage being caused to their shipments. For all inland rail bookings, please check the providers website prior to delivering the container.

 Import Shipments: We urge all customers to hasten/expedite their customs’ clearance and remove cargos from the terminals before September 30th, given that it may not be feasible to move containers if any strike will be declared by then. As the terminals are currently extending their gate hours, we recommend making every effort to move the containers in order to avoid any unnecessary demurrage and detention charges. Please check each terminal website to confirm hours of operation.

Potential ILA Strike beginning October 1 -  A work stoppage would impact about one-third of JAXPORT’s business, particularly international container volumes operated by SSA Jacksonville (Read SSA Jacksonville’s Contingency Plan), as well as international vehicle volumes. 

The remaining two-thirds of JAXPORT’s business, including Puerto Rico cargo, will continue moving normally. In addition, none of JAXPORT’s 172 direct employees are ILA members, which means all JAXPORT main gates and administrative functions will remain open regular operating hours. 

CMA CGM (America) LLC will not accept any new US Export Rail Intermodal bookings as of September 23, 2024.

This booking block will be in effect for all shipments with a load port impacted by any labor unrest, strike, lock-out, work stoppage, or slow-down, including to the below ports. CMA CGM will follow the rail operator’s embargo schedule to allow ingates on current bookings as communicated by the rail operator.

Tariffs: CMDU 005 / 028 / 044 / 091 / 101 / 102

• U.S. Atlantic Ports (USEC):

  • Baltimore, MD

  • Boston, MA

  • Charleston, SC

  • Miami, FL

  • New York, NY

  • Norfolk, VA

  • Portsmouth, VA

  • Savannah, GA

  • Jacksonville, FL

  • Port Everglades, FL

  • Philadelphia, PA

  • Portland, ME

  • Wilmington, NC

• U.S. Gulf Ports (USGC):

  • Houston, TX

  • New Orleans, LA

  • Mobile, AL

  • Freeport, TX

  • Tampa, FL

The stoppage is not in effect for cargo to/via to any US West Coast, Alaska, Canada or port not defined as above.

Unless otherwise specified, the rail stoppage will apply to tariff or service contract rates for all cargo and commodities moving under below scope:

• Commodities: All

• Container Types: All

Aqua Gulf continues to monitor the situation surrounding the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) potential strike on October 1st, 2024 and its impact on the flow of goods. At this time, these possible port disruptions will not affect Puerto Rico transport. 

Although the impact on international business at these major ports might be affected, Aqua Gulf is committed to navigating these challenges with open communication, providing real-time solutions to our customers.

With over 58 years in the Trade, Aqua Gulf is well adept at managing any disruptions in the supply chain. Through pandemics, natural disasters, and past strikes, Aqua Gulf has risen to the challenge time and time again. Regardless of how the coming weeks unfold, we are here for you.

We will keep you promptly informed as the situation unfolds.