Labor Disputes Disrupt West Coast Ports and Freight Railroads.

The slowdown in work at West Coast ports has led to congestion on freight railroads, prompting ITS Logistics to raise the Pacific Ocean region of its U.S. Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index to "Red." The International Longshore and Warehouse Union and ports management have been locked in a battle over a new port worker contract, causing uncertainty for the supply chain. Shippers are advised to stay vigilant and close to the situation on the West Coast as the situation remains extremely fluid.