WHAT’S THE LATEST
On Monday, November 4, the Ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert shut down after more than 700 International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 514 members went on strike. This action came as a result of the union and the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) not being able to reach a new labor agreement.
WHAT WE KNOW
- On 11/4, Canadian National (CN) has halted all international intermodal shipments to the West Coast ports of Prince Rupert and Vancouver, including Roberts Bank, Centerm, Vanterm and Fraser Surrey.
- Canadian Pacific (CP) stopped accepting export loads and pre-billed empties bound for Vancouver ports mid-day Monday.
- About 20% of US trade arrives in the Ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert.
- The US Department of Transportation reports that rail cross-border trade accounted for 14% of the $382B in US-Canada trade in the first half of the year.
- According to US Census data, approximately $572M in container trade enters the US daily from Canada.
- Negotiations led by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services (FMCS) have stalled, with automation remaining a key issue.
- All cargo operations of BCMEA Member companies across the province are currently shut down; however, it does not affect longshoring operations on grain vessels or cruise operations.
- Last year, a 13-day strike by the ILWU disrupted more than $4.3B in trade at the ports and delayed the movement of rail containers by 39-66 days.
WHAT'S NEXT?
As your logistics partner, we are ready and able to pivot quickly. Our team is working directly with clients to address their specific needs.
We will frequently communicate and advise on the situation as more details become available.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your SEKO representative, or email us at hello@sekologistics.com.
