Class I Railroads Announce More Embargoes as They Brace for a Nationwide Strike

 

While there is still a possibility that a nationwide strike can be avoided, the Class I railroads are preparing new embargoes in the event the industrial action goes forward on Saturday, September 17.

 

Canadian National: CN will stop receiving exports at its rail terminals starting at 23.59 hours on Thursday, September 15.

 

Norfolk Southern: Norfolk Southern will stop receiving exports at its rail terminals as of 12:01 hours on Wednesday, September 14.  The carrier has also advised that all shipments transiting its terminals in Chicago and Detroit may potentially be affected by service disruptions.

 

BNSF: In addition to the embargoes previously announced for hazardous materials and temperature-sensitive goods, BNSF will no longer accept in-gate of temperature-controlled intermodal (TCI) units at any of its intermodal facilities, effective 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, September 14.

 

Union Pacific: Effective Monday, September 12, UP has embargoed all shipments of hazardous commodities.  For a list of effected goods, please click here.

 

CSX Transport: Effective Monday, September 12, CSX has stopped receiving cargoes containing high hazardous, toxic by inhalation (TIH), and poisonous by inhalation (PHI) materials.

 

Kanas City Southern: KCS has not issued an embargo at this time.

 

Containerized imports that do not reach rail terminals before the strike commences will be halted at the port of discharge.

The carriers advise any customers who have already dropped off containers for transits affected by the embargoes or who have shipments that have or will reach their final destination by Friday, September 17 should retrieve their containers promptly.

Should the Class I railroads and labor unions reach agreement ahead conclusion of the cooling off period, full operations will be resumed.

OCEANAIR will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.