As contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) stall, concerns about a potential strike loom ahead of the September 30th deadline. Angel Rodriguez, president of ASF Air, highlights the potential global shipping disruptions that could result from this impasse.

Read also: C.H. Robinson: How Shippers can prepare for a Potential ILA Strike Amid an Increasingly Disrupted North American Shipping Landscape 

“A U.S. East and Gulf Coast port strike could create a significant backlog, critically impacting supply chains,” Rodriguez warns. He predicts that the disruption could lead to “artificial or unplanned airfreight,” as goods that would typically be shipped by ocean will be forced into the already congested air freight sector.

This issue is particularly concerning as it coincides with the peak season for airfreight, with heightened demand due to e-commerce, holiday shipments, and high-profile product launches, such as new smartphones, all competing for the same limited air capacity. Rodriguez advises shippers to act now, developing contingency plans and considering alternatives like air freight to avoid production delays.

Many ASF Air clients are already exploring full and partial air charters as a precautionary measure. With over 30 years of global supply chain experience, Rodriguez underscores the importance of being proactive in the face of potential logistical challenges.