The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach closed Thursday evening because of a manpower shortage. As of this morning, April 7^th, it appears the terminals are still closed as trucks attempting to deliver into the port complexes are being turned around. The situation at the port complex could change later today but from what we understand, that is unlikely.

The labor shortage may be due in part to ongoing labor talks between the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshoremen and Warehouse Union (ILWU) which have been engaged in contract talks since the labor contract expired in June of last year. Work at the ports has largely gone uninterrupted since the contract expired with few exceptions while both parties continue to negotiate terms on the contract that governs 22,000 workers handling ocean freight at port terminals on the United States West Coast. Neither sides have provided comment at this time.

The lLWU contract is going to be one of the more challenging pieces of the  import / export ocean logistics puzzle this year.  RIM is working with our carrier partners to be prepared with alternative solutions in the event that contract discussions breakdown and more challenging labor disputes impact cargo movement.

RIM logistics, ltd. will continue to closely monitor the situation and keep you advised of any updates as they become known. Please contact your RIM representative should you have any questions or need additional information.