Importers may face difficulties making insurance claims for goods delayed or damaged during the ongoing strike by union dockworkers at U.S. ports. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) initiated a work stoppage at midnight Tuesday across East and Gulf coast ports after contract negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), representing terminal operators and ocean carriers, failed to reach an agreement. This action halts container and vehicle imports precisely as the crucial holiday retail season begins. Shipments of essential items such as medicines, clothing, and fresh produce from international markets are also impacted. Any containers currently at the ports will remain there for the duration of the strike. Jeffery Kaufmann, executive vice president and head of marine business for insurer MSIG USA, stated in an email interview, "Most cargo policies do not include coverage for delay." He further explained that while most cargo policies contain a 'Strikes, Riots & Civil Commotion (SRCC)' clause to cover damage from actions like vandalism or sabotage by strikers, shippers must carefully review policy details. Kaufmann noted, "Exclusions in this clause often include damage due to temperature, humidity, withholding of power, fuel or labor during the strike, as well as loss of market (economic changes that occur due to competition or customer tastes) or damage due to any delay(s)." This suggests that a ref...