April 7, 2023

Please be advised on Thursday, April 06, at 5 PM PST, the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach stopped operation due to a shortage of dockworker labor. The closure continued Friday, April 07. Several terminals have announced that all appointments scheduled for container in-gates and pickups today have been canceled.

Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero said in a statement that four of the port’s container terminals are closed for the entire day, noting that terminal operators shut down after workers did not report.The Port of Los Angeles said in a statement it is working with stakeholders, including federal officials, to “support a return to normal operations in the San Pedro Bay.”The International Longshore and Warehouse Union, representing dockworkers across the West Coast, declined to comment, referring inquiries to ILWU Local 13. The local union did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

“These actions undermine confidence in West Coast ports and threaten to further accelerate the diversion of discretionary cargo to Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports. The health of the Southern California and state economy depends on the ability of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to stem this market share erosion,” the PMA said.

Several logistics providers have warned their customers of potential delays and disruptions considering the action at the San Pedro Bay ports.

Thursday, April 06, reportedly marked the last day of the ILWU Local 13 President’s term. The new President was sworn in and has begun his term.

Please be informed that operation delays are expected, especially if your container was scheduled to be picked up or returned Thursday evening, Friday, or over the weekend. Please note additional charges are expected to occur. However, some carriers are adjusting demurrage and detention-free time due to these unforeseen circumstances.

Ocean Services closely monitors the situation and will provide additional information soon.