Dear Valued Customers,
A strike has been initiated as of 12:00 a.m. on October 1, 2024 across all U.S. East and Gulf port terminals, resulting in a complete shutdown of these crucial hubs. No goods will be picked up or delivered at any of these ports.
The affected ports include:
The anticipated repercussions include:
Complete Halt to Shipping Operations: All shipments will be halted at U.S. East Coast and Gulf ports. No cargo will be moved in or out, leading to significant disruptions in the supply chain.
Severe Delays in Shipping: With the terminals closed, we anticipate major backlogs, which could result in prolonged delays once operations resume.
Vessels Unable to Anchor: Vessels routed to and from these U.S. ports will not be able to anchor during the strike. This will result in significant congestion offshore, further complicating the return to normal operations once the strike ends.
Supply Chain Disruptions: This complete halt will impact not only cargo bound to and from the U.S. East Coast and Gulf regions but also our broader global logistics network.
Increased Costs and Uncertainty: The closure of these ports is likely to result in increased costs , including extra charges for equipment, storage, and trucking. Rerouting shipments, securing additional trucking or rail resources, and the use of alternative equipment will likely raise operational expenses.
Indefinite Shipping Schedules: As the strike commences, all schedules are currently to be determined , and we are unable to provide firm delivery dates until further notice.
Extended Recovery Time: For each day, the ports remain closed, it will take approximately a week to recover and return to normal operations. This will result in prolonged delays even after the strike is resolved.
Please rest assured that we are working diligently to monitor the situation and explore alternative options to minimize the impact on our operations. We will provide you with updates as soon as more information becomes available.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation during this challenging time. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Branson International Inc.