‘Trifecta of transportation’ challenges spotlighted by short port strike

As previewed last week, labor strikes at the East and Gulf Coast ports exacerbated an already challenging situation for NGFA’s members in a mere 72 hours. In a letter sent Sept. 27, NGFA and nearly 200 other organizations and companies urged President Biden to intervene in the stalled labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance. 

NGFA believes that agriculture cannot afford any disruption in the transportation supply chain during harvest season. The strike affected approximately 40 percent of U.S. containerized agricultural exports. It was another reminder of why resilient and reliable supply chains are so important for both our domestic and international markets.

NGFA is optimistic about the tentative agreement, but it will remain vigilant until a long-term agreement is in place.

There has been some improvement in the Mexican rail situation, with commendations to U.S. carriers for their efforts to help get more trains entering and leaving Mexico. Additionally, a wet September can hopefully help alleviate some of the challenges confronting barge operators in the inland waterways.

NGFA continues to closely monitor all transportation-related issues and will continue to advocate on your behalf and report back in a timely manner. 

A sample of the recent press coverage about NGFA’s efforts can be found in the links below.

Agri-Pulse (subscription): Container movements halt as East, Gulf Coast dockworker strike begins, Oct. 1

Associated Press: US retailers brace for potential pain from a longshoremen’s strike, Sept. 29

Bloomberg: Port strike looms just as farmers seek to export bumper harvest, Sept. 30

DTN: Ag shipping concerns at harvest, Sept. 27

Politico: Ag braces for port strike, Sept. 30

Reuters: US-Mexico rail delays hit farm sector ahead of possible ports strike, Sept. 27