Thousands of Truckers Stuck at West Coast Ports by Darren Goodman

19 Feb Thousands of Truckers Stuck at West Coast Ports by Darren Goodman

West Coast ports are congested as truckers pack rigs at ports awaiting their shipments. Everyday trucker drivers are losing thousands of dollars while the losses could reach over a billion dollars. What is all the fuss about? Labor disputes with International Longshore and Warehouse Union. As the negotiations heat up, their wallets are cooling off.

Even when it is business as usual, the wage difference is huge. The union’s longshore workforce 20,000 strong make an average of $147,000 a year. The average truck driver, $51,000. Where will the mounting cost have the biggest impact? Retailers, Farmers and Auto Manufactures… They are slated to lose a whopping $1.9 Billion dollars a day! Should the strikes continue. Those losses will be passed on down the road as usual in price hikes. The consumer will pay more for goods like fruit, meat, auto parts, clothing and electrics goods. Nearly 70% of Asian imports come through the West Coast ports.

One thing is certain, eventually the unions will find common ground and celebrate another victory while you and I pay for the disputes.