Port strike 2024: What shippers need to know?

5 proven strategies that helped protect supply chains. 

Three days that tested America's supply chains. As nearly three dozen ports along the East and Gulf Coasts ground to a halt in October 2024, the maritime industry held its breath. Analysts warned that the three-day strike could cost up to $5 billion per day, sending shockwaves across industries. While the disruption was brief, it exposed the vulnerabilities of even the most well-oiled supply chains. For businesses, from retail giants to small manufacturers, this served as a wake-up call—a reminder that in today's interconnected economy, even a short stoppage can have far-reaching consequences.  

In this post, we'll unpack not just what happened during those pivotal days, but more importantly, how shippers prepared for similar challenges. Whether you were caught off guard or successfully navigated the disruption, the lessons learned proved invaluable for future-proofing your supply chain.  

Understanding the strike

The strike, which began on October 1, 2024, involved ~45,000 dockworkers and impacted major ports from Maine to Texas. Despite attempts to prevent the disruption through last-minute negotiations, the union rejected USMX's initial offer, leading to a brief but significant work stoppage.  

At the heart of the dispute were three key issues:

• Wage concerns: Dockworkers demanded wage increases that reflected the rising cost of living and the demands of their work. While USMX had proposed a wage hike, it initially fell short of the union’s expectations.
• Career progression: Many workers were frustrated with the lengthy time required to reach top wage tiers.
• Automation anxiety: As ports began modernizing, workers feared that increased automation could lead to job losses, prompting the union to push for stronger job protection.

After intense negotiations, both parties agreed on a tentative wage deal, putting an end to the strike on October 3, 2024.

The strike's resolution

The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) reached a tentative agreement on October 3, 2024, ending the three-day strike that had disrupted operations at East and Gulf Coast ports. Key outcomes included:

• A tentative deal on wages
• Extension of the master contract until January 15, 2025
• Agreement to continue negotiations on other outstanding issues
• Immediate resumption of cargo operations

Port reopening

Following the agreement, port operations quickly resumed across the East and Gulf Coasts. Several major ports, including Port Houston and the Georgia Ports Authority, reopened with extended gate hours to help alleviate the backlog of cargo. Cargo operations restarted, and businesses rushed to retrieve their stranded shipments. While some delays persisted, the immediate return to normalcy allowed shippers to begin addressing the disruptions caused by the strike. 

Ports offered extended hours to expedite the flow of goods, with Georgia's Garden City Terminal and North Carolina Ports resuming full operations by October 4. Although the initial impact of the strike was severe, the quick reopening efforts helped reduce long-term damage. However, congestion at alternative ports like those on the West Coast, which had seen increased rerouting, required additional attention as the backlog was resolved.

How did the strike affect shippers?  

The ripple effects of the port strike extended beyond the docks, creating significant challenges for shippers across the supply chain. Understanding these impacts is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies.  

Supply chain disruptions: The strike led to a complete halt in operations at major ports from Maine to Texas, with ~45,000 dockworkers on strike. Cargo vessels were anchored offshore, unable to unload, and critical manufacturing components were stranded on ships. This situation posed a serious risk of stockouts for retailers ahead of the holiday season, with many reporting that 15% of their inventory was inaccessible, trapped either on vessels or at ports. This was particularly concerning for time-sensitive items like seasonal merchandise and perishables.

Freight rate volatility: Financial implications were substantial, with shipping costs for 40-foot containers having increased by 20% since late August. The halt in port operations had created a bottleneck in the supply chain, likely driving up freight rates due to increased demand for limited shipping capacity. Carriers imposed additional surcharges, and premium rates for alternative shipping methods became common. Businesses faced higher warehousing costs as they stockpiled inventory, which could have amounted to an additional $500,000 to $1 million in monthly logistics costs for a typical mid-sized retailer. 

Rerouting and congestion: Shippers faced operational complexities as they rerouted shipments to alternative West Coast ports, leading to severe congestion and extended transit times that stretched standard shipping timelines from two weeks to four to six weeks. Capacity constraints were evident, with limited availability on rerouted shipping routes and overburdened warehouses. Trucking capacity was also strained as demand surged. Additionally, shippers encountered documentation issues, such as liability confusion for delayed shipments and customs clearance delays. These challenges were compounded by inefficiencies in international freight execution and mismanaged global trade, resulting in higher costs and complicating logistics planning. Limited visibility and the complexities of freight costs and document management further added to the burden, as discussed in the video titled "Challenges of Inefficient International Trade Management in Global Logistics."

What shippers did to protect their supply chains

As the port strike disrupted supply chains, shippers implemented proactive strategies to minimize its impact on their operations. Here’s a practical guide on the steps they took to safeguard their logistics during the disruption.  

• Diversified transportation strategies

Shippers explored alternative ports on the West Coast or in Canada and Mexico. They implemented multi-modal shipping, including air freight for high-value or time-sensitive cargo. Long-term relationships were established with multiple carriers, and redundant shipping routes were set up. Regional distribution centers helped reduce reliance on specific ports. For insights into sustainable transportation methods, check out the blog on Navigating freight transport: Flyway, waterway, or the highway, which discusses greener practices in road transport, the environmental toll of ocean shipments, and the balance between environmental concerns and economic considerations.  

• Leveraged technology for better visibility

Mismanaged international freight can lead to 5-15% higher costs, delayed shipments, and skyrocketing air freight rates, severely impacting your bottom line. To counter this, shippers used real-time tracking systems to monitor shipments and predictive analytics to anticipate delays. Digital documentation platforms can now automate compliance and streamline customs clearance. Data-driven tools like AI-powered demand forecasting and digital twins helped optimize route planning and inventory adjustments. Companies that leveraged these technologies, such as Accuride, achieved notable results like a 6.5% reduction in total ocean spend and a 3.69x return on investment.  

• Optimized inventory management

Shippers conducted inventory audits to identify critical items and increased safety stock as needed. Many considered nearshoring or building local supplier relationships to reduce risks and improve responsiveness. Vendor-managed inventory programs were implemented to ensure consistent supply and reduce the burden of inventory management on internal teams. Data analytics were used to forecast demand trends, aligning inventory strategies with customer needs. These measures helped prevent stockouts, enhanced supply chain resilience, and improved cash flow and operational efficiency.

• Strengthened contractual protections

Shippers reviewed and updated key contract elements such as force majeure clauses, delivery guarantees, and cost-sharing arrangements. They negotiated flexible routing options, volume-based discounts, and provisions for expedited shipping during labor disruptions. Scenario planning in freight procurement helped compare carrier bids, optimize resource allocation, and enhance decision-making through advanced analytics. By incorporating scenario analysis, shippers better navigated uncertainties, ensuring contracts were robust and aligned with strategic goals.

• Mitigated financial risks

To mitigate financial risks, shippers reviewed insurance coverage for strike-related losses and explored inventory financing options to enhance cash flow. Contingency funds were set up for unforeseen events, and investments in supply chain resilience technologies were made. Financial partnerships were diversified, and regular financial health assessments were conducted to identify vulnerabilities and adjust strategies accordingly. These steps helped protect businesses from financial losses, maintain cash flow, and ensure business continuity during disruptions.

Navigating forward: Lesson learned

The strike may have come to an end, but it highlighted several key insights for shippers:

• Adaptability wins: Businesses with diversified supply chains fared better.
• Data drives decisions: Real-time tracking and predictive analytics allowed for smarter decision-making.
• Relationships matter: Establishing strong, diverse partnerships with carriers and ports proved invaluable.

The port strike of 2024 underscored the importance of flexibility, data-driven decisions, and strong partnerships in managing supply chain disruptions. As businesses look forward, the question remains: Will you use these lessons to strengthen your supply chain for the future?