The Port Strike has officially commenced, leaving many uncertain about its duration and repercussions. What’s clear is that all parties involved from importers to 3PL warehouse providers or trucking companies, are feeling the effects in one way or another.
Manufacturers with commodities stuck at the ports, especially perishables, are facing significant challenges. These businesses will need to explore alternative logistics solutions to mitigate the impact of delayed container shipments.
The best thing we can do is work together as logistics solutions providers and expand our networks within and outside our local communities.
Key Considerations for Importers
- Engage Domestic Suppliers
Given the disruptions, it’s crucial to assess your domestic supplier network. This may help reduce reliance on affected ports and streamline operations.
2. Adjust Port of Entry and Grow your Carrier Network
If you’re shipping high volumes of containers, you may have already started routing your imports through West Coast ports. For businesses primarily serving East Coast customers, finding reliable final-mile partners might be very helpful. While many over-the-road carriers are available for dry van and reefer shipments, not all provide final delivery services.
For instance, if a large retailer needs to transport freight from New York to retail locations in downtown Miami, collaborating with a final-mile carrier can ease deliveries through congested urban streets. A final-mile carrier may also have a warehousing terminal, where they can store your freight until your goods are scheduled to be delivered to stores or retail outlets.
- Expand Your Freight Forwarding Network and Consider Air Freight
Depending on the nature of your freight and its volume, exploring air freight options can be a viable alternative, particularly for perishables that cannot remain in containers for extended periods. Many freight forwarders can quickly provide quotes for air shipments. Additionally, freight forwarders often have access to a wide network of trusted 3PL warehouse providers, which can be invaluable if you need storage solutions during the strike. If you switch to a different port of entry, your freight forwarder can help you find a reliable warehouse partner in that new location.
4. Collaborate with Local 3PL Warehouse Providers
If you have containerized freight that you managed to retrieve from the port but urgently need to transport elsewhere, consider partnering with local drayage carriers and transloading warehouses. This combination of providers can efficiently move your freight to another mode of transportation, ensuring that the flow of goods continues despite disruptions
5. Non-Union Terminal Operators Whether you’re an importer or a logistics service provider, research non-union terminal operators in your area. While they may be saturated with requests, it’s worth reaching out. Crowley and King Ocean operate non-union vessels and still have some non-union port workers available, which allows them to continue pulling containers out of the yard
Conclusion
As a drayage carrier, we at Accurate Trailers are committed to doing everything possible to best serve our customers and provide additional logistics alternatives. One of the key solutions we’ve implemented is offering intermodal drayage services through Florida East Coast Railway, which allows for seamless transportation options even amid disruptions.
Here are some providers in the South Florida market that can assist with logistics needs during this challenging time:
- Challenge Warehousing for 3PL warehousing and transloading
- Centerport Inc. for final-mile trucking services
By implementing these strategies and leveraging available resources, businesses can navigate the challenges posed by the port strike more effectively, ensuring that they continue to serve their customers and maintain supply chain integrity. Adapting quickly and utilizing strong partnerships will be key during the Port Strikes.
