As you may be aware, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has halted negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) over automation disputes. This impasse has raised concerns about the possibility of strikes at U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports beginning as early as mid-January 2025.
If a strike occurs, the duration and impact on ports are uncertain, but any disruption could place significant strain on shipping and transportation, particularly for event-related logistics. This would coincide with the expected surge in imports ahead of Lunar New Year, further exacerbating delays.
To help mitigate potential challenges, we strongly recommend that you communicate with your customers and exhibitors to plan ahead by:
- Shipping exhibits and products earlier than usual to avoid potential delays.
- Working closely with freight partners to monitor developments and explore alternative transportation options if needed.
- Building contingency plans for critical shipments to ensure they arrive on time.
While we remain hopeful that the situation will be resolved without disruptions, the uncertain nature of these negotiations underscores the importance of being proactive.
We will continue to monitor this closely and provide updates as new information becomes available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need additional resources.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.