Dear Valued Partner,
We are writing to inform you that the recent port strike has ended, and normal operations have resumed. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. (USMX) have reached a tentative agreement on wages and have agreed to extend the Master Contract until January 15, 2025, to continue negotiating all other outstanding issues.
Effective immediately, all job actions have ceased and normal port operations have resumed. This means that cargo handling, vessel loading and unloading, and all other port-related activities are back on schedule. We expect any backlog to be cleared quickly and efficiently.
To ensure the efficient movement of your goods and minimize potential delays, we recommend the following:
Order Management:
- Maintain current orders in the system.
- For future orders, enter orders early and submit bookings in advance and in line with our SLAs.
- Keep Estimated Cargo Ready Dates (ECRDs) updated to help us plan shipments effectively.
Plan for Longer Transit Times:
- Factor in potential extended lead times when planning your shipments, as ports work through any backlog.
- Follow destination guidance to CastleGate (CG) to avoid longer transit times and increased congestion (Ex. diverting to the West Coast ports).
Stay Informed:
- Talk with your CGF Account Manager who can provide guidance on managing your inbound shipments to both CastleGate and Dropship.
- We will provide Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) updates for impacted orders as we receive them from the Carriers.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to navigate the post-strike period. We are committed to keeping you informed and providing the support you need to maintain a smooth and efficient supply chain.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to your CGF Account Manager or open a
ticket on Partner Home if you have any questions.
CastleGate Forwarding
