As negotiations between Ila and Usmx stall, Hapag Lloyd announces two extra tariffs and Maersk invites cooperation
Given the stalemate in negotiations between the International Longshoremen Association (ILA) and the USMX (US Maritime Alliance) for the renewal of the contract of US dockers, shipping companies are preparing for the impacts of the new possible strike that could start as early as January 16, the day after the deadline set by the two parties for the contract currently in force. according to Shipping Italy rported
Hapag Lloyd: extra costs
Hapag Lloyd in particular announced the introduction of two ad hoc surcharges, in anticipation of the critical issues that would arise with a halt to operations in US ports on the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico.
The two extra costs, it explained, would come into effect only in the event of a strike being called, starting from January 20 (also the day of Trump’s inauguration at the White House, who about ten days ago clearly sided with workers in their battle against automation).
The new and specific Work Disruption Surcharge and Work Interruption Destination, according to the company, would cover the additional costs generated by work interruptions, congestion, slowdowns and other “unforeseen events” that could delay operations and lead to the need for additional expenses for handling, storage and feeder services.
The first will apply to cargo arriving at ports on the East Coast and the Gulf of the United States from various origins – including Northern Europe and the Mediter;ranean -, while the WID will concern those arriving at the same ports from East Asia (China, Japan, South Korea and so on). For both, the amount will be 850 dollars for a 20-foot box and 1,700 for 40-foot boxes.
Maersk has “strongly invited”
Maersk, on the other hand, has not yet communicated its intention to introduce surcharges, but considering it currently “possible” that workers along the entire eastern seaboard will fold their arms as early as January 16, it has “strongly invited” customers to collect loaded containers present in the ports and return empty ones before the 15th, to help “mitigate” the impact of the critical issues in the ports
MSC :an increase in Emergency Operation Surcharge
No specific communications have yet been received from MSC. In recent days, however, the Swiss carrier had reported an increase in its Emergency Operation Surcharge for shipments from Northern Europe to the USA, Bahamas and Puerto Rico due to the “expected operational criticalities” expected on the transatlantic route in the first months of 2025 due to the restructuring of services following the entry into force of new alliances between operators.
An initiative criticized by some observers, who had seen it as a way to pass on to customers the costs of the network reorganization wanted by the carriers themselves, including MSC.
Ila and Usmx,
Returning to the topic of the confrontation between ILA and USMX there has been no progress to date. After Trump’s endorsement of the battle of the former, the two parties have resumed issuing communications in which they prepare the ground for a possible worsening of the confrontation by reiterating the validity of their positions.
Daggett :We want to avoid another strike
On the other hand Harold J. Daggett, ILA emphasized ” in 2024 Christmas Message To ILA Members and Their Families ” As I reflect on the past year, while glancing at a fresh New Year about to begin, I am so grateful for the dedication, the spirit, the courage, and the unity demonstrated by our ILA rank-and-file members when we went out on strike for three days in early October”
He added : Our resolve may be tested again in mid-January as we face another deadline for negotiating a new Master Contract by January 15, 2025. We want to avoid another strike, and hope that our employers represented by United States Maritime Alliance will respect our demands for a fair and decent contract. I am certain many of us will make that our Christmas Wish for 2024.
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