A leading global ocean freight company has announced two surcharges should a labour strike occur on the East and Gulf Coasts in January 2025.
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The carrier, widely recognised for its significant presence in the industry, revealed these surcharges would cover additional costs related to labour disruptions, strikes, slowdowns, congestion, and other unforeseen events causing delays in operations.
'These surcharges cover additional costs arising from labour disruptions, strikes, slowdowns, congestion, and other unforeseen events that could delay operations, resulting in increased handling, storage, and feeder service costs,' Hapag-Lloyd stated on its website.
The two charges are identical but apply to different regions: $850 per 20-foot container and $1,700 per 40-foot container, covering all equipment types.
In October, thousands of dockworkers on the East and Gulf Coasts went on strike until a tentative agreement was reached regarding wages. A deadline of January 15 was set to address remaining issues, particularly automation.
The surcharges are scheduled to take effect on January 20, coinciding with the inauguration of President-elect Trump. In December, Trump voiced his support for the dockworkers over the USMX port employers involved in the dispute.
Although other ocean carriers, including Maersk, CPA CGM, and Japanese ONE, imposed surcharges in October, none have confirmed similar charges at this time.
Container rates have already begun to rise in anticipation of the strike. Last week, rates climbed by 26% to Los Angeles and 17% to New York.
Source: www.homeaccentstoday.com