Please note that on Friday February 20, 2015, US Labor Secretary Thomas Perez announced that the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) reached a new 5 year agreement. The agreement is still conditional on all local unions approving the terms over the next few weeks. So until signed by all parties, the deal is not yet official. However, with the pending agreement in place, the work to clear the backlog begins immediately.
This agreement is the first step; we should see gradual improvements over the coming months. Congestion and delays in picking up and delivering containers to West Coast ports are still to be expected in the meantime. The agreement does not solve the issue of chassis shortages and space issues at the piers caused by larger vessels. We hope to see these issues addressed in the near future.
We will continue to keep you updated as the situation unfolds on the West Coast.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us for more information on (03) 9338-5457.