How Will The East Coast Port Strike Impact Eastern Iowa?

It was announced that as of today approximately 45,000 dock workers on the East Coast and Gulf States are going on strike leading to what could be a scarcity of goods in Eastern Iowa.

The strike was because of a contract dispute when the ILA (International Longshoremen's Association) was not able to come to an agreement with the US Maritime Alliance.  This is the group that represents ports from Maine to Texas.

Longshoremen load and unload cargo from ships.  It's not fun work, often strenuous and it can be dangerous.  I know a couple of longshoremen and I've taken many pictures at Baltimore ports, it's a great spot for photos.  The workers, that's longshoremen, marine pilots, maintenance, logistics, security, warehouse, dock, truckers, and so many others, at ports, do their work in all weather at all hours to keep goods flowing.   With this strike, it'll be the first time since 1977.

Cargo Ships are Being ReRouted Where?

With the ports on the East Coast closed means ships at sea will now have to unload on the West Coast and there is some worry if the ports can handle the normal loads of cargo and an influx of new arrivals that were not expected.  This could lead to a traffic jam adding to the already testy situation.

The Strike Could Have A Ripple Effect, Impacting Iowa

This has a ripple effect.   With the strike, the ports stop, and the gas stations and restaurants don't get port workers, truckers, and others each day.  The truckers don't get goods to move to you and me here in Iowa.  Truck drivers bring us what we want and need.  The stores don't get their products, we don't get our deliveries.  With shipments being rerouted to the West Coast, delays are expected, particularly for perishable goods.  That could lead to higher costs at grocery stores like Hy-Vee, Fareway, and Walmart, among others.

The Holiday Shopping

If you're a crafter, those items were in stores in mid to late summer.  The other stuff, the holiday delights that end up under many a Christmas tree don't arrive until just before the holidays.  If those items are held up, and there is a shortage of a popular item that could lead to much higher prices and maybe brawls.  Think of the Tickle Me Elmo craze where there were fights and people trampled each other for a toy. If you're not familiar with the Tickle Me Elmo fiasco, look it up.  There is plenty of archival footage of the ugliness.

Apple Expects Major Delays

CBS News spoke with a representative from Apple who uses East Coast ports exclusively and they feel their products will be severely delayed getting to consumers.  That includes the new iPhone 16, which is sold out in many places.

There was more concern beyond the time it's taking to get from East Coast ports to West.  The West Coast ports have long had issues with theft from rail cars that are stopped or moving slowly en route to their location.  This leads to more delays because the product then has to be reordered and replaced.

It's Not Good When Prices Go Up

When prices go way up, it can impact all things.  There was a Habitat for Humanity build just across the border in Illinois that had to stop for a short time because building prices went through the roof.  That was when a piece of plywood skyrocketed to over $100 a sheet.  Supply chain disruptions could have a negative impact on Iowa's economy beyond groceries.  Industries that rely on timely shipments of goods may experience delays, leading to potential delays affecting production and the availability of goods.  If those goods do not arrive, that could lead to layoffs if those products are not received and sales are not made or are delayed.