Dear Valued Customer,

We would like to inform you that in light of the potential strike action by the International Longshoreman Association (ILA), there may be a disruption to East and Gulf Coasts services starting October 1st, 2024. In case there will be a strike, it may disrupt container availability, cargo and regular vessel operation in the U.S East Coast and Gulf ports.

We recommend all customers to adhere to the relevant port authorities and intermodal service providers guidelines regarding the opening / closing times schedules of all facilities.

Export Shipments: While we continue to accept dry bookings, we stopped accepting booking for export of Dangerous good (DG) and Reefer cargo. Please note that existing DG and Reefers bookings with sail dates from October 1st 2024 forward have been canceled and will need to be rebooked, once we resume accepting new booking. All customers should make the necessary alternative arrangements in order to avoid the risk of any damage being caused to their shipments. For all inland rail bookings, please check the providers website prior to delivering the container.

Import Shipments: We urge all customers to hasten/expedite their customs’ clearance and remove cargos from the terminals before September 30th, given that it may not be feasible to move containers if any strike will be declared by then. As the terminals are currently extending their gate hours, we recommend making every effort to move the containers in order to avoid any unnecessary demurrage and detention charges. Please check each terminal website to confirm hours of operation.
Port Congestion surcharge will be updated for cargo moving between US East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, as detailed in the below table:

The above charge is in addition to the applicable base freight charges, THC, bunker, ESS and security-related charges which are provided in ZIM's Tariff Calculator, (U.S. trades are provided in www.boterates.com User: ZfreA6 Password: Access16!) as well as other charges for additional services, local charges and contingency charges, subject to monthly review and update).

Detention and Demurrage: ZIM will align the Detention and Demurrage charges with those of the terminal where the container is located at the time the strike takes effect.

ZIM will not be held accountable for any expenses, costs and damages caused as a result of this strike and urge all customers to make all arrangements accordingly.

Our Operational teams are constantly evaluating the situation and will attempt to make necessary adjustments in our schedules as reasonably and operationally feasible, to lessen any delays to our voyages.

For additional information, please contact your Account owner or customer service team.

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services