Trucking News · California · November 1, 2026

Port Watchmen Strike Deadline at Los Angeles and Long Beach Moves to Nov. 4, With Port Truckers Waiting

By Big Rig Daily Staff

A strike threat that could have stalled cargo at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports has been pushed back, which gives port truckers a few more days of uncertainty. The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and ILWU Local 26 extended talks through 5 p.m. Pacific on Wednesday, Nov. 4, gCaptain reported on Oct. 30. A walkout had been threatened for Nov. 1. Talks continue with federal mediators.

Who is involved

About 250 maritime watchmen do security work at terminals. PMA says Local 26 members work at terminals that handle about 85% of Port of Long Beach cargo and about 33% at the Port of Los Angeles. The previous contract expired in July 2025.

Why truckers are watching

PMA warned that other ILWU workers are unlikely to cross Local 26 picket lines. That could halt vessel, yard and gate operations. The union named eight terminal locations that could be affected. When terminal gates close, drayage truckers lined up outside are stuck waiting, and waiting time is often unpaid. Big Rig Daily covered the earlier version of this story in a report on the strike threat that could start Nov. 1, and the cost of working these ports in a report on California port truckers and $8 diesel.

Busy ports

The two ports handled a combined record 2.04 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in September, according to the report.

The deadline

The deadline is 5 p.m. Pacific on Nov. 4, according to the report.

What happens next

Nothing is settled. If the two sides reach a deal or agree to extend again, the picture changes. Truckers who work these terminals will want to watch for updates before Wednesday afternoon.

Quick facts

• New deadline: 5 p.m. Pacific, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026.
• Previous threat: Nov. 1.
• Workers: about 250 maritime watchmen, ILWU Local 26.
• Share of cargo: terminals with about 85% of Long Beach cargo and about 33% at Los Angeles, per PMA.
• Mediation: federal mediators are involved.

FAQ

When is the new LA and Long Beach port strike deadline?

The extension runs through 5 p.m. Pacific on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, according to PMA as reported by gCaptain.

Who are the LA and Long Beach port watchmen?

They are about 250 maritime watchmen who do security work at terminals. They are members of ILWU Local 26.

How could a port watchmen strike affect truckers?

PMA warns that other workers are unlikely to cross picket lines, which could halt vessel, yard and gate operations. Port truckers could be among the first to feel a gate shutdown.

A question for readers

If the terminal gates close, who should cover a port trucker's lost day?

Save this story for later

Save this to Pinterest