In preparation for a possible dockworkers’ strike on October 1, several major ports along the U.S. East and Gulf are implementing contingency plans, extending terminal hours and setting deadlines for operations.

The Port of Virginia has announced its shutdown schedule for cargo operations on September 30. The last inbound train delivery is scheduled for 8am. All inbound truck gates will close at 12pm. Cargo operations will stop by 1 pm. Vessels will be required to sail, the last outbound train will depart, and all motor carriers must leave the port. All other container operations will stop by 6 pm. Reefer units will remain plugged in but will not be monitored. The port has said it will not charge demurrage fees for containers during the strike.

The Port of New Orleans has implemented similar deadlines. It also added Saturday hours on September 28. Service operations will halt by noon on September 30. Rail and gate operations will be stopped at 4pm and import reefer containers must be out of the gate by then unless otherwise approved. Reefers will stay plugged in but will not be monitored during the strike.

The Port of Jacksonville expects the strike to affect one-third of its business, but the remaining two-thirds will operate normally. Nonetheless, customers are advised to contact their terminal operators for operating hours. Additionally, the Alabama Port Authority is closely monitoring the situation at the Port of Mobile, as the container terminal is managed by APM Terminals.

Source: Journal of Commerce