Ocean Freight Update: Potential Labor Disruption at the Los Angeles / Long Beach Port Complex

Potential Labor Disruption at the Los Angeles / Long Beach Port Complex

A possible strike by port security workers could disrupt container terminals at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in the coming days. The dispute stems from a contract that expired in July 2025 between International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26, which represents about 250 port watchmen, and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), which represents the terminal employers.

Months of talks since then have not produced a new agreement, and the strike deadline of November 1 is now expected to move to November 4 while negotiations continue. Nothing is confirmed, and the two sides remain apart. Meanwhile, the ports are already dealing with heavy rail congestion, so any disruption would add to existing delays.

What is happening at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach?

Who and where: ILWU Local 26 represents about 250 watchmen who provide gate security and cargo watch duties at six container terminals in the port complex. the union’s strike notice lists eight affected terminal locations, including APM Terminals, Long Beach Container Terminal, Total Terminals International, SSA Marine and Pacific Container Terminal. According to the PMA, these terminals handle approximately 85% of Long Beach’s container cargo and 33% of Los Angeles’.
When: The strike threat was reported to begin as early as 5:00 pm Pacific on Sunday, November 1. An extension of the deadline to November 4 is now expected.
Where talks stand: The two sides have been meeting regularly with federal mediators. The PMA says it will keep negotiating beyond the deadline if needed, and that significant differences remain. Local 26 has said talks have produced little progress despite mediation.
Why it matters: Although Local 26 represents only around 2% of the ILWU workforce at the two ports, the PMA expects members of other ILWU locals not to cross a Local 26 picket line, which could halt vessel, yard and gate operations at the affected terminals.

The watchmen’s agreement is separate from the coastwide ILWU-PMA longshore contract, which covers approximately 22,000 workers at 29 West Coast ports and runs through 2028.

What would be the impact on logistics operations?

The timing is challenging. Los Angeles and Long Beach handled a combined record of approximately 2.04 million TEUs in September, and the complex is already managing a backlog of containers awaiting inland rail transportation. A stoppage at terminals handling more than half of the complex’s cargo would compound existing delays rather than create them from scratch.

What this could mean for your shipments:

Slower truck turn times, or gate closures, at any terminal affected by a picket line.
Vessel delays, schedule changes or diversions if work at a terminal is halted.
Delayed pickup or availability of containers, with possible added costs from extended container or chassis use and storage.
Longer rail dwell times as on-dock rail operations pause and restart under heavier volumes.

What are shippers’ options?

Check your terminal. Identify which terminal your import or export cargo is routed through. Cargo at terminals not named in the strike notice may be less directly affected, although spillover congestion is likely across the complex.
Move containers ahead of the deadline. Where possible, pick up laden import containers and return empties at the affected terminals before the deadline.
Consider alternative gateways. Oakland, the Pacific Northwest and Canadian West Coast ports may serve as alternatives for cargo not yet loaded, though capacity is limited and transit times vary. East and Gulf Coast routings remain an option for certain cargo
Air freight for critical shipments. For urgent or line-down situations, transpacific air freight can bridge the gap. Prioritize by urgency, value and customer commitment, and consolidate smaller shipments where possible. Air charter options are available on request.
Domestic trucking and transload. For cargo already discharged, Crane Worldwide’s domestic trucking network and West Coast warehousing can support transload and inland distribution while rail capacity recovers.

What else do I need to know?

Should strike action proceed and a resolution follow, congestion at Los Angeles and Long Beach is likely to persist for a period, particularly given the existing rail backlog and the approach of the holiday import season.

We are monitoring the situation and will update this advisory on any material changes. If you have time-sensitive shipments, please contact your Crane Worldwide representative to review your options, or reach out to us online.

The above information is gathered and compiled from several public sources that, to the best of our knowledge, represent accurate and correct information. It is always the intent of our company to present accurate information. Crane Worldwide Logistics LLC accepts no liability or responsibility for the information published herein. The comments reflected in the document reflect the views of the Ocean Product Management leadership.

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Ocean Freight Update: Potential Labor Disruption at the Los Angeles / Long Beach Port Complex

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