PMA Announces Temporary Suspension of West Coast Terminals, Impact on Exporter & Importers

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PMA Announces Temporary Suspension of West Coast Terminals, Impact on Exporter & Importers

On Wednesday, we issued a news alert sent by Peter Friedman of FBB Relations of a projected lockout on the West Coast. Today, the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) announced its member terminals would be halting all vessel loading and unloading operations this weekend, with ports scheduled to operate again on Monday, February 9. Yard, rail and gate operations may continue operating at terminals at the terminal operators’ discretion, according to the PMA.

“In light of ongoing union slowdowns up and down the coast which have brought the ports almost to a standstill, PMA member companies finally have concluded that they will no longer continue to pay workers premium pay for diminished productivity,” said the PMA in a press release.

The end result, according to Friedman: Exporters and importers are not being spared the increasing damages, losses, missed deliver deadlines, rejected cargo, layoffs. “The long-term impacts are becoming evident,” writes Friedman. For exporters, permanent loss of foreign customers who are looking to food, farm and fiber sources in other countries. For importers, we are hearing accelerating plans to permanently revise supply chain, reducing dependence on U.S. West Coast ports, increasing shipments via Canadian and all-water (Panama and Suez) to the East/Gulf Coast port.”

In the meantime, a massive multi-industry letter is being delivered next week to President Obama, calling on him to act. Congressional hearings and briefings will also be held next week, according to Friedman.

Roanoke Trade will continue to keep you abreast of this important development.

Source: FBB Relations, PMA

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