Weekly Freight Report: November 6, 2026
About 250 ILWU Local 26 watchmen at Los Angeles and Long Beach now face a midnight Pacific strike deadline on November 6, after two extensions this week. China-linked ship fees could return Monday, November 9, carriers are heading back through Suez, nearly $1 billion in tariff refunds is held, and Taiwan’s air cargo gateway is jammed. Here is what you need to know.
Strike Deadline at LA and Long Beach Moves to Midnight November 6 as Talks Resume With Federal Mediators
The contract for about 250 ILWU Local 26 watchmen at Los Angeles and Long Beach was extended twice this week and now runs through midnight Pacific on November 6, with talks resuming under federal mediators. No deal had been announced as of the morning of November 6. Their terminals handle about 85% of Long Beach’s cargo and 33% of LA’s, and other ILWU workers are expected to honor picket lines. Clear available imports before midnight November 6 and keep a backup plan ready.
More Than 250 Groups Ask USTR to Permanently Suspend China-Linked Ship Fees Before the Pause Ends November 9
In an October 30 letter, more than 250 groups including the National Retail Federation and the National Association of Manufacturers asked USTR to permanently suspend Section 301 fees on China-built or China-linked vessels. The fees range from $18 per ton to $120 per container, and the one-year pause ends November 9. USTR has proposed extending it to January 9, 2027, but no final decision had been announced as of November 6. Ask your carriers how they will handle the fees if they return Monday, November 9.
Major Carriers Begin Returning to Suez With Full Asia-Europe Service Expected by Early 2027
Carriers left the Suez route after Houthi attacks in late 2023. This week one major carrier resumes Asia-North Europe transits through the canal, and analysts expect all the main carrier alliances to be fully back by the first quarter of 2027. Switching back from the Cape route could bring schedule changes and bunched arrivals at European ports while services transition. Confirm revised schedules and transit times on your Asia-Europe bookings.
CBP Has Certified $127.7 Billion in IEEPA Refunds but Nearly $1 Billion Is Held for Missing Bank Details
As of October 23, CBP had certified about $127.7 billion in refunds of the IEEPA tariffs the Supreme Court struck down in February. Nearly $1 billion of that is being held because importers have not given CBP their ACH bank details, and some importers are still waiting because of an unresolved legal question. Make sure your ACE account has current ACH refund bank details so your payment isn’t held.
Uncollected AI Equipment Is Filling Warehouses at Taiwan’s Main Air Cargo Gateway
Imports of AI and semiconductor equipment, some dating from early September, are filling cargo warehouses at Taiwan’s Taoyuan Airport because consignees weren’t ready to receive them. Loaded cargo dollies are stuck outside, creating a dolly shortage that slows aircraft unloading, and some freighter cancellations have been reported, including US-bound flights. If you ship electronics or tech parts by air from Taiwan, build extra days into your plans and confirm flights with Kesco early.
Production Stops at About 690 Bangladesh Garment Factories as Wage Protests Slow Cargo to Chittagong
Production stopped at about 690 garment factories in Bangladesh on November 2 during worker protests over a new minimum wage. Roadblocks slowed export cargo moving from Dhaka-area factories to Chittagong port, putting order completion and booked sailings at risk. A government wage board formed November 1 has not ended the protests, and factory owners have threatened indefinite closures. Check order status with your Bangladesh suppliers and plan for possible missed sailings ahead of holiday replenishment.
Get the freight report every week
The headlines that move your freight, and what they mean for your shipments. Every Friday.