With Hurricane Helene rapidly approaching Florida's Big Bend region as a potentially devastating Category 4 storm, many Florida ports, including Canaveral, Jacksonville, and Tampa, have been closed in preparation. Significant disruptions are expected across the Southeastern U.S., with storm surges, heavy flooding, and dangerous winds threatening port operations and inland supply chains. Prepulls from Florida ports are currently impossible, and surrounding ports like Savannah and Mobile, which remain open with restrictions, are also experiencing delays. We recommend preparing for extended delays in receiving cargo until these ports reopen and operations stabilize.
In addition, the ongoing labor strike on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts further complicates the situation. Even a brief strike could disrupt vessel schedules well into 2025. The buildup of ships at anchorages waiting to berth will cause major delays, and we anticipate a significant backlog once operations resume. Customers should plan for extended wait times for imports and exports, particularly on routes involving Florida and the U.S. Gulf. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as conditions evolve. (Source: https://www.freightwaves.com)
Dunavant Solution: Dunavant is actively monitoring the potential strike and working with customers to reroute cargo through alternative ports, including West Coast, Canadian, and Mexican options. For time-sensitive shipments, we are also offering airfreight solutions to ensure critical goods are delivered on time despite disruptions.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.