As many of you may be aware, United States dockworkers represented by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) went on strike earlier this fall, disrupting operations at numerous ports. While a tentative labor agreement was reached between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), the current contract is only extended until January 15, 2025.
Although negotiations resumed in November, they have since stalled, raising the potential for renewed strike activity in January. If a strike occurs, the impact on event-related shipping and transportation could vary significantly, depending on its scope and duration.
Recommended Actions for Members:
To ensure a seamless experience for exhibitors and attendees, we encourage our members to take proactive measures:
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Plan Ahead for Shipments:
Advise exhibitors to ship materials earlier than usual to mitigate potential disruptions. Early planning is essential for avoiding delays, especially for international shipments. -
Educate Exhibitors:
If your exhibitors are not already aware of the potential for port delays, this is an excellent opportunity to provide them with guidance and resources. Proactively communicating these challenges can help them avoid logistical setbacks. -
Collaborate with Logistics Providers:
Work with trusted shipping and logistics partners to identify the most efficient and reliable options for transportation. Consider alternative routes and modes of transport, such as prioritizing air freight over ocean freight for international shipments.
Shipping Recommendations for Exhibitors:
- Domestic Shipments: Encourage exhibitors to coordinate with their shipping providers to schedule early pickups and deliveries.
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International Shipments:
- Air Freight: Recommend departing from the origin country at least 30 days prior to the show move-in date.
- Ocean Freight: If air freight is not an option, ship as early as possible and avoid routing through East and Gulf Coast ports.
- Route shipments to the port closest to your show venue to minimize transit times.
Next Steps:
While the outcome of labor negotiations remains uncertain, taking preemptive steps now will go a long way in ensuring the success of your upcoming events. By working together to prepare and educate exhibitors, we can collectively minimize any potential disruptions and protect the integrity of our industry.
Please keep your teams informed of these developments and feel free to share any insights or strategies that have worked for you in navigating this uncertainty.