SC Ports continues to monitor the situation associated with the expiration of the current contract between the ILA and USMX at the end of September and the potential for a work stoppage that could impact ports all along the East & Gulf Coasts.
To help facilitate the movement of your cargo, extended gate hours for dry containers will be offered at the Wando and North Charleston Terminals on Saturday, September 21 from 6 am until 5 pm, as previously announced.
Future extended gate hours will be determined based on demand and announced through Client Advisory and social media.
During the next 10 days, we’ll continue focusing on measures to ensure optimum terminal performance, such as full staffing, yard equipment availability, and surplus inventory of SMART PoolTM chassis. Charleston marine terminals will continue to receive and deliver all import, export and empty containers through September 30.
For the duration of any impact to regular gate hours, SC Ports will waive loaded container storage charges to the ocean carriers, and SMART PoolTM chassis billing will be paused for any units out-gating from Charleston locations.
To refrigerated containers, we are not aware of plans for the provision of these services in the event of a work stoppage, and SC Ports is not responsible for any cargo loss in containers that remain on terminal during any such stoppage.
Following any break in operations that might occur, SC Ports and our maritime industry partners would marshal every resource possible to facilitate the swift recovery of business. Measures would be implemented based on terminal operating conditions and need, as well as the duration of any potential interruption.
SC Ports appreciates your business.