By now, you have probably seen reports in the trade media of a potential strike at ports by harbor truckers, slated for the week of June 28-July 3, to protest high fuel prices and working conditions at the nation's ports.

According to the media and BDP sources, this would-be initiative appears to be an ad hoc movement rather than a well-coordinated work stoppage by labor leadership; at least that is the public face of it.

History has shown that the one thing predictable about large unions is their unpredictability. This action, if it does occur, would be a public relations tactic to demonstrate the importance of the trucking industry and the power of the labor movement during a presidential election year.

Based on discussions with BDP partners and other sources, in the event of a strike, we expect it would be intermittent at best:

• Picket lines would form outside port entry locations at major ports along the U.S. West Coast, and the following East Coast ports: Baltimore, Elizabeth and Norfolk.

• Activity within port loading and unloading areas would not be affected.

• Trucking firms are planning for business as usual on Monday, June 28, but can be expected to observe picket lines.

• Trucking firms expect to pick-up export cargo from warehouses and loading docks, and would hold it at their yard facilities.

• Ocean carriers are not expected to divert vessels to other ports at this point in time.

BDP and BDP Transport are monitoring the situation closely and are in regular contact with our ground and ocean carrier partners. While we are taking this threat seriously, and will make all necessary adjustments in the event of a strike, we do not expect it would be of similar magnitude to the West Coast port strike of 2002 or other strikes executed by organized labor. We see this as a potentially brief but always untimely disruption and will manage it aggressively for our clients.

We will keep you informed of this developing situation.