In Week 44 of 2024, the freight market faces compounded disruptions as dock workers at the Port of Montreal prepare to launch an unlimited strike, adding pressure to a global logistics network already stretched thin. Meanwhile, persistent equipment shortages and prolonged dwell times at major U.S. ports, including LA/LB, are further straining inland networks, with congestion reaching inland hubs like Chicago and Dallas, delaying container availability and spurring port rerouting initiatives.
PORT OF MONTREAL DOCKWORKER STRIKE
The Longshore Workers Union, which represents the dock workers at the Port of Montreal, has formally issued a 72-hour notice indicating their intent to initiate unlimited strike action against Termont Montreal. This strike is set to commence on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 11:00 AM, impacting operations at both the Maisonneuve (Termont) and Viau Terminals.
ONGOING EQUIPMENT SCARCITY CONTINUES TO PLAGUE PORTS
The Los Angeles/Long Beach (LA/LB) port complex continues to face substantial congestion due to high cargo volumes and labor challenges, with average rail-bound dwell times recently documented at approximately 6 days for on-dock containers. Off-dock rail service is experiencing delays due to trucker and chassis availability issues, which have intensified congestion and increased dwell times to about 17 days for some shipments. Extreme cases have shown containers sitting up to six weeks before loading onto trains, reflecting a critical shortage in rail car capacity across the network.
Inland terminals such as Chicago, Dallas, and Kansas City are similarly affected by rail car shortages, slowing the availability of containers after train arrival and prompting carriers to adjust bookings temporarily. Some have even rerouted cargo to other West Coast ports, with these changes anticipated to last 7–10 days as rail congestion is managed. Such operational adjustments underscore the urgency for increased capacity solutions within these critical logistics nodes.
Stay up-to-date on freight news with Green’s Weekly Freight Market Update by following us on LinkedIn. For continuous updates, make sure to check out our website at greenworldwide.com.
