UPDATED: Strike in the US comes to an end

4-10-24

A temporary agreement has been reached between ILA and USMX, which means that the dockworkers will resume work immediately. The agreement includes a 62% salary increase over the next six years, but there are still other contractual terms that need to be negotiated. The strike is therefore temporarily postponed until January 15, 2025, and negotiations will continue until then. FREJA will continuously monitor how the negotiations between ILA and USMX develop, so we can best prepare our customers with alternative solutions in case of a new strike in January. Contact your representative at FREJA if you need assistance and advice on your shipping options to/from the USA.

2-10-24

Several carriers have declared force majeure and are adding port congestion surcharges. Affected customers will be contacted directly. We are continuously working to find the best solutions.

1-10-24

On October 1, approximately 45,000 dockworkers in up to 36 cities on the U.S. East Coast initiated a widespread strike. The strike is happening because the dockworkers’ union, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), and the employer association, United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. (USMX), couldn’t agree on a new contract.

The ports are now closed, and with each passing day, the effects of the strike will intensify. We can expect ship congestion in the ports, leading to significant delays. The extent of the strike’s consequences largely depends on its duration, but it is still too early to predict specific outcomes.

Some carriers have already announced price increases, and we anticipate air freight prices to rise as well due to increased demand. We encourage our customers to plan their shipments well in advance and consider alternative shipping options. At FREJA, we are working hard to find alternative solutions and routes, such as via the U.S. West Coast or Canada, to minimize the impact on our customers and ensure continuity in the supply chain.

Please reach out to your local contact person at FREJA if you have any questions or need assistance with your shipments to/from the USA.

We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you updated.