Importers have been pulling forward orders and shifting shipping lanes as the Sep. 30 deadline looms in the negotiations between the International Longshoreman’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance, covering ports from Maine to Texas. Talks fizzled on June 10 over an “autogate” for trucks entering and exiting the Port of Mobile and other unnamed ports as automation sits top-of-mind for union negotiations. The SFIA noted that the issue outweighs an offered pay hike that was 32% higher than West Coast dockworkers received last year, along with other starting salary, retirement ... Log in to view full article.