Strike threat at LA–Long Beach ports, and the Vincent Thomas Bridge closes for 16 months from Nov 7

About 250 security guards at LA–Long Beach terminals, members of ILWU Local 26, have voted to authorize a strike. If no agreement is reached with the employer group, the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), they could walk out after 5 p.m. on Nov 1 (local time). A short contract extension to Nov 4 is being discussed, so the timing may change.

They make up only about 2% of union members at the two ports, but the terminals they guard handle roughly 85% of Long Beach's volume and 33% of Los Angeles'. If other dockworkers honor the strike, vessel operations, yards and truck gates could stop. Inland transport is already backed up, with more than 35,000 containers waiting for rail.

On top of this, the Vincent Thomas Bridge, an access road to the Port of LA, closes completely for 16 months from Nov 7 to replace its ageing deck. About 4,700 heavy trucks cross it each day, so congestion is expected on detours such as the 110 and 710 freeways.

For US West Coast cargo, check your terminal's operating status and rail connections in advance, and consider early pick-up and trucking for urgent shipments. For schedules, contact our Operations team at +82-2-2135-3351.

Sources: Korea Daily (Oct 18 and 28, 2026) https://www.koreadaily.com · JOC https://www.joc.com