On June 19, 2025, the United States will observe Juneteenth National Independence Day as a federal holiday. Major ports and rail hubs across the country will adjust their operating schedules, potentially causing disruptions to international freight movements. Shippers and logistics providers are advised to plan accordingly to maintain supply chain efficiency.
Port Operations: Partial Closures Expected
While some ports will maintain normal operations during the holiday, including Los Angeles' C60 Terminal, New York's NYCT Terminal, the Port of Houston, and the Port of Savannah, several major facilities will be closed. Affected ports include:
- New York (excluding NYCT Terminal)
- Port of Los Angeles
- Port of Oakland
- Port of Miami
- Port of Seattle
These closures are expected to impact cargo loading and unloading operations, potentially causing delays in container returns and trucking schedules.
Rail Transport to Continue Normal Operations
In contrast to port operations, major U.S. rail freight terminals are expected to maintain normal schedules during the holiday. This presents an opportunity for shippers to mitigate potential port-related delays by increasing their use of rail transportation where feasible.
Recommended Mitigation Strategies
To minimize disruptions during the holiday period, supply chain professionals should consider the following measures:
- Advance planning: Verify operational schedules at relevant ports and adjust shipping plans accordingly
- Operational flexibility: Consider rerouting cargo through ports that remain open or increasing rail transport volume
- Continuous monitoring: Stay informed about real-time operational updates from transportation hubs
- Buffer time: Build additional time cushions into logistics schedules to account for potential delays
Proactive planning and adaptive strategies can help maintain supply chain stability during the federal holiday period.