Shipping & Transportation

HIDA East And Gulf Coast Port Strike Advocacy

HIDA continues to engage on the 2024 East and Gulf Coast port strike and its impact on the medical supply chain. We have worked with other stakeholders within the healthcare supply chain as well as with other wholesaler and retail organizations. Recently, HIDA joined 200+ other local, state, and federal trade associations asking the Administration to utilize its authorities to bring the two sides back to the negotiating table. Several Congressional letters express similar concerns.

Joint Association Coalition Letter – 10/02/24
Senator Moran Letter – 9/27/24
Senator Cassidy Letter – 9/23/24
House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Letter – 9/19/24
Joint Association Coalition Letter – 9/17/24

Expediting Critical Healthcare Supplies Through The U.S. Transportation System

Unprecedented transportation delays have severely limited reliable and timely movement of medical products. Transportation disruptions have become a healthcare issue. HIDA supports a Critical Cargo Program that prioritizes medical supplies during the COVID-19 response and future public health emergencies. Public and private stakeholders should be convened to identify a fast pass prioritization process to efficiently move product. The entire U.S. transportation system from ports to rail trucks to small parcel carriers should be included.