What's Happening?
About 250 port watchmen represented by ILWU Local 26 could strike at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach when their contract extension expires at 5 p.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, November 4. On October 30, the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the union pushed back the original November 1 deadline. Talks continue with federal mediators, but no agreement had been announced as of November 3. According to PMA, the affected terminals handle about 85% of Long Beach’s cargo and 33% of Los Angeles’.
Impact on Your Shipments
PMA expects other ILWU workers not to cross picket lines. That could halt vessel, yard and gate operations at the affected terminals, including APM Terminals, LBCT and TTI. A stoppage could delay berthing, container pickups and rail connections, and lead to vessel diversions, congestion, and demurrage or detention charges. The complex is already handling record volumes, 2.04 million TEUs in September, along with a backlog of containers awaiting inland rail.
Falcon’s Approach
We are following the talks and carrier advisories ahead of the November 4 deadline. We can review your containers on the water and your upcoming bookings through Southern California, flag cargo bound for affected terminals, and discuss alternative ports or routings with carriers. If a stoppage occurs, we can help prioritize pickups to limit storage exposure and keep you informed.
Sources:
- Strike Threat at Los Angeles, Long Beach Ports Delayed as Union and Employers Extend Talks – gCaptain – October 30, 2026 – https://gcaptain.com/strike-threat-at-los-angeles-long-beach-ports-delayed-as-union-and-employers-extend-talks/
- Strike Threat Looms at Eight Los Angeles, Long Beach Port Terminals – gCaptain – October 27, 2026 – https://gcaptain.com/strike-threat-looms-at-eight-los-angeles-long-beach-port-terminals/
- Port Workers, Employers Push Long Beach Strike Threat to Nov. 4 – SupplyChainBrain – November 2, 2026 – https://www.supplychainbrain.com/articles/45135-port-workers-employers-push-long-beach-strike-threat-to-nov-4
- Strike threat by port security workers at Los Angeles–Long Beach – FreightWaves – late October 2026 (exact date to confirm; this article is the source for the rail backlog) – https://www.freightwaves.com/?p=584451