US port contract negotiations break down

Talks between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have broken down over the key issue of automation bringing the threat of a renewed strike at US East Coast ports closer, according to a report on the Seatrade Maritime website.

This will cause concerns for BIFA members offering international ocean freight operations to and from the US East and Gulf Coasts, which include LCL and FCL import and export operations.

The Seatrade Maritime report, which can be read here: https://tinyurl.com/r64e356k includes official statements issued by both the ILA and USMX.