Trucks operating without restriction

Picket lines have formed outside the gates of at least two East Coast ports this morning but are not preventing the inbound or outbound transit of trucks carrying ocean container shipments.

BDP sources report approximately 200 protestors have assembled outside the gates of Port Elizabeth in New Jersey, and a handful of picketers have formed near entry gates adjacent to three terminals at the Port of Charleston. Trucks are moving into and out of both ports without restriction, under the watch of port security personnel. Truck volume at Charleston is said to be down by between 30 and 40 percent this morning.

The ad hoc demonstrations are being conducted to protest high fuel prices and working conditions at the nation's ports.

Vessel arrivals and departures, as well as loading / unloading activities, are operating without disruption. Ocean carriers are not expected to divert vessels.

BDP and BDP Transport are monitoring the situation closely and are in regular contact with our port and transportation partners. We will keep you informed of this developing situation as information becomes available.

Thank you.