Supply chain disruptions are possible beginning October 1, 2024, due to strikes of dock workers in Montreal as well as the U.S. East Coast, and U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Most of the University of Pittsburgh’s shipments are FedEx Air and Ground direct from our suppliers’ distribution centers in the U.S. and so we do not anticipate any near-term impacts on Pitt’s operations. We will continue to monitor and communicate with you if there is any additional impact to purchasing. In the meantime, the following is important information for departments to know:
- U.S. East and Gulf ports handle approximately half of the United States’ ocean shipping.
- Purchasing Services is contacting our key University-wide Contracted Suppliers to determine the impact on the University’s supply chain, though we do not anticipate any near-term impact.
- Many companies importing through the East and Gulf ports have been preparing for the possibility of a strike and have increased inventories over the last several months or adjusted their supply chains to receive goods through the West coast ports. Departments may want to speak to certain critical specialty suppliers that are unique to your department to understand the impact on their supply chain.
If you have any additional questions or need assistance regarding purchases, please contact Purchase, Pay and Travel Customer Service.