Port Everglades Remains Open for Business Despite Dock Strike

(Fort Lauderdale, FL) -- Port Everglades is still open despite the International Longshoremen’s Association's east coast strike.

Port Everglades Director Joseph Morris says the strike does not affect multiple business lines such as petroleum, bulk cargo and cruise activity.

However, Port Everglades is the busiest container seaport in Florida especially for perishable goods, according to Morris. Adding that while 59-percent of the containerized cargo is not part of the strike, 41 percent is.

"We have some segregated areas established for the first amendment zones, and we remain open for business." Morris explains.

He says impact won't be felt if the strike is resolved quickly, within a few weeks. After that, venders may look to fill supply lines with domestic production.

"Retailers tried to get ahead of the strike by ordering more supplies early, but with 60-80% of all consumer goods arriving in the U.S. by ship, the impact is sure to be felt," according to economists.

Dockworkers at PortMiami also joined the nationwide strike that could end up costing the country billions of dollars a day.