ユーロ

ブログ

東海岸の港湾への長期雇用者ストライキにより、船舶が積み重なっている - 輸送の遅延とバックログ

Alexandra Blake
によって 
Alexandra Blake
14 minutes read
ブログ
12月 09, 2025

Ships Piled Up as Longshore Strike Hits East Coast Ports - Shipping Backlog and Delays

Recommendation: open port-level talks now and align on a clear, actionable schedule to stay ahead of the backlog. The ongoing disruption has left a large share of the East Coast cargo pipeline stalled, with 25–35 ships queued at New York–New Jersey, Norfolk, Charleston, and Savannah. Turn times have risen 48–96 hours, adding dollars of cost for shippers and retailers each day. The between dock operations and inland movement tightens, and a テーブル of prioritized actions helps stakeholders coordinate–from cargo-prepositioning and expedited clearance to rail and chassis allocation.

Though talks continue at the national level, port-level negotiation needs a practical framework. The global supply chain relies on a workforce of dockers, truckers, and rail crews that is large. Many workers are trying to adapt to tighter schedules, and the situation was described by interviewed port officials and yard managers as creating a ripple into inland terminals. The language of operations shifts toward contingency planning, with managers mapping a テーブル of priority cargos and alternative routes to keep some shipments moving.

To stabilize port-level throughput, agencies should implement interim triggers: prioritizing perishable goods, medical supplies, and critical machinery; dedicate cranes and drivers to high-priority lines; and use rail and inland hubs to advance critical cargo. Shippers and terminal operators should pursue a firm, negotiation with labor and management to unlock a quick path to resumed normal cycles. An immediate step is a staged plan: extend gate hours, hire temporary staff where possible, and reserve rail slots for global flows. In parallel, districts can use the language of data–daily dashboards and a public テーブル of metrics–to track dwell times, crane moves, and on-dock utilization. The presidential administration can support with policy carve-outs and federal funding, but the core agreement depends on the interviewed unions and employers agreeing on a timeframe and 進む スケジューリング.

Experts suggest a consolidated data table with port-level KPIs, including berth productivity, crane moves per hour, yard utilization, and rail car dwell times. A global set of standards helps stay aligned across terminals and lines. The aim is concrete milestones and a negotiation posture that keeps トーク progressing, with interviewed leaders stressing the need for predictable 進む notice and real-time visibility.

The takeaway for operators is clear: publish the table of actions weekly, use accessible language in updates, and rely on rail and inland connections to keep high-priority cargo moving. If the workforce stays aligned with a firm plan and the administration supports targeted dollars in relief and incentives, the backlog can shrink within 1–2 weeks and relief may extend to other ports in the global network.

Scope of disruption, affected terminals, and short-term economic impact

Begin by directing cargo to Bayonne and Port Newark-Elizabeth, expand harbor operations into midnight shifts, and have flexible contracts with trucks to move containers efficiently. This approach reduces dwell time and helps prevent a longer slowdown during June.

Disruption concentrates at the Port Authority terminals in the Port of New York and New Jersey, with Bayonne and Newark-Elizabeth facing the heaviest congestion. Three-quarters of inbound volume bound for East Coast markets must stay longer at gates or shift to alternate sites, which drives longer truck queues and higher inland costs. The month-long backlog creates ship queues offshore and pushes dwell times above normal, without quick relief.

Short-term economics show higher fees for storage and demurrage, and contracts adjust to slower turnaround. The record container counts raise daily trucking demand, and much additional capacity moves to Houston to balance flows. The president of a major carrier warned that continued delays could push more shipments into the following month, increasing total costs.

Terminals along the harbor stay under pressure; some volumes divert to Houston to relieve East Coast pressure, apart from Bayonne, which remains a focal point. A table tracking arrivals, dwell times, and fees highlights the extent of the disruption; images from yard cameras show backlog at peak times. interviewed spencer, a logistics analyst, notes that the near-term path includes modest improvements if gates reopen and trains clear faster. источник

To stabilize, align contracts with flexible demurrage terms; reserve slots for time-sensitive cargo; coordinate with trucking partners to keep trucks moving along major corridors; use inland hubs to balance capacity and reduce harbor dwell. Update the table weekly and maintain clear communication with port authorities; this approach lowers risk and speeds complete restoration of normal operations.

Strike timeline and labor action: triggers and key demands

Coordinate contingency staffing and docking windows now to limit backlog and minimize disruption at terminals along america coasts. There are clear triggers and a set of key demands shaping the next moves. andrea wrote that signals first appeared in Wilmington and Philadelphia, with container flow accelerating and harbor queues growing. theres a rising expectation that talks could stall soon if negotiators do not address wages, overtime, and staffing standards. take proactive steps today to shield a full holiday shipping season and keep shipments moving along coasts without compounding delays.

  1. Phase 1 – early escalation (days 1–3): unions vote outcomes, initial actions at a handful of terminals, and pressure on management to present concrete offers. talks occur, but preparation continues in parallel to avoid a sudden halt at key harbors like Wilmington, Philadelphia, and ports along the gulf. if there are no meaningful concessions, expect targeted slowdowns that affect container flow and berth availability.
  2. Phase 2 – coordinated pressure (days 4–10): sustained actions across multiple terminals, with ship lines adjusting schedules and options to reroute cargo. theres a real risk of missed sailing windows and backup at major hubs. america-wide attention rises as coasts see more calls from ships and cargo owners, prompting management to present a comprehensive package on wages and work rules.
  3. Phase 3 – potential escalation or resolution (week 2 and beyond): negotiations either secure a deal or trigger broader action. if talks stall, unions may pursue higher-visibility demonstrations near busy harbor entrances and on-terminal pickets to force concessions on pay raises and benefits. the gulf and east coast terminals, including harbor facilities around philadelphia and wilmington, become focal points for immediate impact assessments.

Key triggers frame the timeline: a breakdown in talks, a formal strike vote, and visible port bottlenecks that disrupt container throughput. there, management and labor leaders weigh how decisions affect wage scales, scheduling, and safety protocols. the absolute priority remains to prevent widespread outages that ripple into america’s supply chain, especially during peak holiday demand and seasonal peak volumes.

Key demands and leverage points include:

  • wages and raise: secure a firm wage floor that reflects rising costs and port productivity, with built-in annual adjustments tied to inflation.
  • work rules and overtime: predictable schedules, fair overtime compensation, and protections against abrupt shift changes that disrupt families.
  • staffing and terminals capacity: enforce minimum staffing levels, cross-training, and rapid hiring to prevent chokepoints at busy harbor gates.
  • harbor and container handling: streamlined terminal flow, priority lanes for essential cargo, and standardized terminal procedures to reduce delays.
  • benefits and job security: preserve health, retirement, and pension provisions while negotiating-for-service commitments that keep port operations resilient.
  • holiday and peak-season clauses: ensure coverage during holiday periods and peak volumes without triggering unmanageable backlogs.
  • transparency in negotiations: publish summaries of proposals and counterproposals to build trust across coasts, including the gulf and east coast hubs such as america’s major coasts and coasts’ busiest ports.

To minimize risk, operators should map cargo flow against the timeline, prioritizing critical lanes and containers that support consumer goods and industrial supply lines. there’s value in pre-negotiated contingency agreements, including agreed tolls for container handling and interim staffing, so the industry can avert a complete halt even if talks stretch. soon, a clear path from this phase to a negotiated settlement will determine how hard a shock the harbor system can absorb and how smoothly cargo moves along the coastlines during the next cycle.

Port congestion map: which terminals are most congested and why

Recommendation: Redirect priority cargo today by following the congestion map; the table flags the terminals with the longest dwell times, with some terminals showing dwell times over 6 days, indicating where ships line up and trucks queue. Start with elizabeth (Port Newark/elizabeth) on the busiest line and move volume away to gulf coast hubs where possible, so the system stays balanced and cargo can move without piling up. This approach reduces the risk of a slowdown and buys time to implement longer-term automation upgrades.

Top congested terminals and why: The map highlights elizabeth, Savannah, Charleston, Norfolk, and Baltimore as the leaders. They are congested due to heavy inbound and outbound flows on coasts, particularly at elizabeth, limited berth availability and yard density, long gate queues, and uneven automation across systems. The slowdown is magnified when trucks arrive faster than the surface moves can be completed, and when line crews are stretched thin.

Andrea, the terminal operations lead, notes that a weekly meeting between members and carriers is essential to coordinate slots. A direct call to adjust arrivals helps stay ahead of the curve and reduce the economic impact on america logistics and retailers. andrea adds that being proactive with scheduling reduces risk and keeps the flow moving.

Action plan to strengthen capacity: accelerate automation and advance technology across docks and trucks. Install automated gate systems and improved yard management; add more chassis and digital tracking to enhance traceability. With date-specific milestones, facilities can reach higher absolute throughput and better absorb surges, especially in peak windows where expected volumes exceed capacity.

For this date, the united states coast network shows how congestion hits the economy: elizabeth and other coasts were under pressure, while gulf ports were comparatively steadier. The absolute backlog across america highlights that ports cannot afford long delays; a shift to automation and systems will help stay competitive and keep goods moving to households and businesses.

Cargo flows: who is affected among importers, exporters, and retailers

Cargo flows: who is affected among importers, exporters, and retailers

Prioritize inventory resilience by diversifying suppliers and locking capacity now to blunt East Coast port backlogs and keep essential cargo moving. Build a two to four week buffer for high-turn items, and route a portion of orders through Gulf and West Coast hubs to reduce exposure. This approach helps absorb shocks and lowers costly delays that would eat into dollars.

Most importers of consumer goods face longer dwell times and rising demurrage and handling fees. To afford the higher landed cost, shift some orders earlier, diversify suppliers, and route to Inland hubs via Gulf or West Coast ports where feasible. Track container availability weekly and press for firm transit windows with carriers to minimize last‑mile volatility along the coast from New York to Elizabeth and beyond.

Exporters must adjust by securing earlier bookings and spreading cargo across alternative gateways to avoid clocking up idle time on the water. If a ship slips, proactively rebook to a less congested path and repackage pallets to maximize space on each container. A clear goal is to keep inventory flowing to distributors and retailers without pushing costs into higher end prices for the end user.

Retailers face tighter shelves and slower replenishment cycles, especially for high‑demand categories such as whiskey and other specialty drinks, electronics, and home goods. Build contingency plans with regional distributors, accelerate vendor‑managed inventory where possible, and pre‑pool shipments to Elizabeth, York, and nearby hubs to stabilize the most vulnerable SKUs while demand patterns shift.

As of Monday, industry trackers note a persistent queue of vessels near the New York and New Jersey corridor, with images showing stacked containers at Elizabeth and nearby terminals. istocukere: истоочник Port Authority updates highlight ongoing delays and the ripple effect on lead times. To mitigate, set targets to move 60–70% of high‑priority orders through alternative routes by month‑end and renegotiate terms with carriers to lock rate caps on the next quarter. This approach helps small and midsize firms and larger retailers alike to operate without sacrificing service levels.

Port operations: yard stacking, gate throughput, and crane productivity

Implement a synchronized yard-to-gate plan to lift hourly crane productivity by 15% within six weeks. Assign a dedicated worker crew for yard stacking, with defined turn times and buffer slots to reduce down-time between moves. Use real-time technology to coordinate the yard, gate, and crane cycles so ships can start moving the moment a container is cleared, improving flow across the site. This approach reduces down time and improves cadence.

Across coasts, flow is shaped by laws and labor practices. theres little tolerance for idle cranes, so gate throughput must match yard capacity. Ports affected by delays will push back schedules. In Wilmington, DE, a pilot shows how aligning trucks with crane cycles lifts throughput. The united states ports rely on employers and their workforce to meet deadlines, and chapters in the operations manual document step-by-step sequences. Some states require an airtight record of container moves, and a presidential task force has asked ports to report performance weekly. they march toward higher efficiency, while safety remains non-negotiable. To start measuring impact, set a baseline and adjust weekly.

To keep momentum, implement buffer zones and cross-dock lanes that keep trucks moving without stalling the yard. Use an hourly schedule for crane shifts and gates; keep the record accessible to managers and workers, ensuring an absolute standard for throughput. Most ports operate with a lean workforce, but with cross-training and clear sequencing they can raise capacity without new hires. If you must operate with little staff, rely on technology to fill gaps while maintaining service to ships and import flows. This approach benefits all coasts, states, and their shippers.

メートル 現在 ターゲット 備考
Yard stacking moves per hour (per crew) 2.0 3.6 two-crew operations with buffer slots
Gate throughput (containers/hour) 50 65 align with yard cycles, reduce queue time
Crane productivity (moves/hour per crane) 6 9 optimize cycle times, predictive maintenance
Average yard dwell time (days) 1.6 1.2 target for lingering containers
On-time gate opening rate 82% 94% reduces ships waiting

Path to recovery: negotiation progress, policy support, and projected backlog clearance

Path to recovery: negotiation progress, policy support, and projected backlog clearance

Negotiate a targeted, time-bound deal within 30 days that preserves the workforce and sets clear milestones for backlog clearance. This plan reduces uncertainty for america dont rely on delays and keeps port hubs, including elizabeth, functioning at a sustainable pace while shipments reach consumers on time. Manufacturers and retailers will benefit from predictable schedules, helping coasts across america regain tempo.

Progress on negotiation: A table circulated by the federal council outlines three core milestones: keep the workforce safe, restore berthing capacity to at least 60% of prior levels within two weeks, and push overall backlog down by month end. Interviewed port, labor, and carrier leaders say talks are moving toward an inflection point. Issued guidance from the council and major companies signals a shared view that a well-coordinated shift pattern can absorb shocks without long outages.

Policy support: The federal package aims to speed inspections, extend operating windows at key terminals, and provide temporary funding for terminal equipment and workforce training. Ports on the east coast will receive targeted help to reduce dwell times, with elizabeth, virginia, and new jersey coasts prioritized. This policy mix helps affected shippers regain reliability and gives manufacturers a path to meet orders in the next peak season.

Backlog projection: If the talks and policy measures stay on track, most congestion will ease within 4-6 weeks, with least disruption on the busiest windows. The updated table shows a drop from 120-150 ships waiting at entry points to 60-75 by month end. At least 80% of import cargo, including whiskey shipments, should clear by then.

Recommendations for actors: council members, port authorities, and company executives must coordinate with labor, shippers, and inland carriers. Interviewed firms indicate the best path is a phased ramp: keep the workforce intact, avoid abrupt layoffs, and implement changes with clear metrics. From a practical perspective, daily briefings and a public table of progress helps keep the public informed and reduces shocks.