Longshoremen’s Deal Saves Santa In Ports

Imports of Christmas goods will wind up on retailer shelves rather than languish in containers on major dock terminals in the US.

Retailers are breathing a sigh of relief as they welcome an agreement by the International Longshoremen’s Association and United States Maritime Alliance to extend negotiations for 90 days past the ILA-USMX contract’s Sep. 30 expiration.

“This is a significant step forward, and signals that both sides — labor and management — are serious about reaching a deal,” said Jonathan Gold, VP for supply chain and customs policy at the National Retail Federation. “This extension should provide for a stable holiday shipping and shopping season over the next few months.”

Prices will be a bit higher this season, since retailers and other shippers incurred extra costs for rerouting cargo or booking shipments early to avoid disruptions at the height of the annual peak season for holiday imports.

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