Exporters face delays at U.S. ports
Potential dock strike during peak shipping season before Christmas may see cargo being held up and shippers imposing extra charges
Exporters face delayed cargo shipments and higher freight charges if dockworkers at US Gulf and east coast ports take industrial action in the coming weeks over new labour contracts.
The disruption would come during the peak pre-Christmas and New Year shipping season as Hong Kong and mainland suppliers rush to help fill store shelves with toys, clothes, electronics and other consumables.
Charles de Trenck, the head of consultancy firm Transport Trackers, said any unrest would affect everyone.
Likening the potential situation to the 11-day west coast port lockout in 2002, he said: "All the traffic flows were badly hit."
A post-lockout study by transport advisory firm Martin Associates said the dispute cost exporters and importers US$14.4 billion, although the accuracy of this figure has been disputed.
Representatives from the International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, which represents container lines and port associations, have been ordered back to the negotiating table next week by federal government mediators.
A shipping industry source said if there was a strike, lawmakers would "order a 'back-to-work' and mediation very quickly, likely within a week".