HOUSTON — Port Houston has announced a work stoppage at its container terminals following the expiration of the existing contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). Port Houston is not involved in the ongoing contract negotiations or discussions.
The existing contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) expired at midnight on Monday, September 30.
As a result of the work stoppage, the Bayport and Barbours Cut Container Terminal gates are closed, and all container operations are currently suspended. It’s important to note that ILA-supported public general cargo and multi-purpose facilities are not affected by this disruption.
Reefer Units
All reefer (refrigerated) units will remain connected to power throughout the stoppage. For monitoring capabilities, Port Houston advises contacting the respective ocean carriers.
Rail Operations
Rail services at Port Houston terminals are also suspended for the duration of the stoppage.
Storage Fees
Port Houston will not charge storage fees to ocean carriers for the days the terminal gates remain closed. For information about free-time allowances, stakeholders are encouraged to reach out directly to their ocean carriers.
Port Houston officials say its business continuity plan is in place and that it is prepared to resume operations as soon as an agreement is reached. Recovery operations are expected to be ramped up once the work stoppage concludes.
See Port Houston’s full statement on the work stoppage below:
Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 4:30 PM
The existing contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) has expired and there is a work stoppage at Port Houston’s container terminals. Port Houston is not involved in the contract negotiations or discussions.
Port Houston’s Bayport and Barbours Cut Container Terminal gates are closed and all container operations are suspended for the duration of this work stoppage. ILA-supported public general cargo/multi-purpose facilities are not impacted by the work stoppage.
Reefer Units: All reefer units will remain connected to power throughout the work stoppage. Please contact the ocean carriers for monitoring capabilities.
Rail: Rail operations at our terminals are suspended for the duration of the work stoppage.
Storage: Port Houston will not charge the ocean carriers storage on days the terminal gates are closed. Please reach out to the ocean carrier directly for free-time inquiries.
Our business continuity plan is in place, and we are prepared to reopen operations as soon as an agreement is reached. We will continue to post updates on our social media and at www.porthouston.com as the situation develops and will ramp up recovery operations as soon as an agreement is reached.
