Navigating U.S. Port Strikes – A Guide for Mobility Managers and Procurement Professionals

The prospect of labor strikes at U.S. ports can significantly impact corporate relocation programs, especially when the timely shipment of household goods is crucial to maintaining smooth transitions for employees. At Allied Van Lines, we understand the importance of seamless relocations and the potential challenges that come with port disruptions.

For mobility managers and procurement professionals, preparing for these disruptions requires proactive planning to ensure employees' personal belongings arrive on time, minimizing stress during a critical time of transition. Here are steps you can take to safeguard your relocation process and keep employee satisfaction high, even in the face of potential port strikes.

The Potential Impact of U.S. Port Strikes on Relocation Shipments

Port strikes can delay the shipment of household goods, complicating relocation schedules for employees and their families. Key concerns include:

• Shipping Delays for Household Goods: When port operations slow or halt, employees' household belongings can get stuck in transit, causing delays in settling into new homes.
• Higher Transportation Costs: To avoid port disruptions, shipping providers may need to reroute goods via more expensive options like air freight, leading to budget increases.
• Logistical Challenges: Finding alternative transportation methods quickly enough to stay on schedule can be a logistical nightmare without a reliable partner in place.

How to Prepare: Steps for Managing Household Goods Shipments

1. Diversify Shipping Routes and Methods With potential delays at major ports, it’s crucial to work with a relocation partner that offers flexible shipping options. For critical moves, consider alternate ports or even a combination of sea, air, and land transportation. Allied provides a variety of shipping methods, allowing you to reroute household goods to avoid port bottlenecks.
2. Build Flexibility into Relocation Timelines Encourage employees and internal teams to allow for flexibility in their relocation schedules, especially for household goods delivery. By building in a buffer period for the arrival of personal belongings, you can account for potential delays while ensuring employees have essential items during the transition.
3. Establish Temporary Storage Solutions In the event of delays, having temporary storage facilities in place at origin and destination locations can keep household goods safe and ready for quick action when the disruption clears. Allied offers warehousing and secure storage options that ensure your employees’ belongings are protected throughout the process.
4. Communicate Proactively with Employees Transparency is key when dealing with port strikes. Keep employees informed of potential delays, offer updates on shipment statuses, and provide clear alternatives in case of disruptions. Setting realistic expectations about when household goods will arrive helps employees plan accordingly and reduces stress during relocation.
5. Work with a Trusted Relocation Partner Choosing the right moving partner is essential when navigating potential port disruptions. Allied Van Lines has extensive experience in managing complex relocations, including rerouting shipments and adapting to logistical challenges in real-time. With our global network, we can offer multiple routes and solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Long-Term Strategies for Relocation Success

While preparing for immediate disruptions is essential, mobility managers should also consider long-term strategies that reduce the overall risk of future port-related challenges:

• Leverage Air Freight for Critical Moves: For time-sensitive relocations, air freight might be the best option to ensure household goods arrive without delays. While it’s a more expensive method, it can be invaluable for key personnel moves.
• Consider Domestic and Regional Moving Options: For relocations within North America or nearby regions, relying on ground transportation or domestic shipping can help bypass the complexities of ocean freight.
• Establish Partnerships with Alternative Ports: Building relationships with shipping partners that use less congested or smaller ports can offer alternative pathways in the event of a strike.

Conclusion

U.S. port strikes may be beyond your control, but with the right planning and support, you can ensure the relocation of employees’ household goods remains on track. By diversifying shipping routes, building flexibility into timelines, and working with a trusted partner like Allied Van Lines, you can mitigate the impact of port disruptions on your relocation programs.

At Allied, we are here to help you navigate these challenges, offering customized solutions and real-time adjustments to keep your employees’ moves as smooth as possible. Let us help you stay prepared and keep your relocation plans running smoothly, no matter what challenges arise.