Buyers consider countless factors when making purchasing decisions. At SSP, we’ve long touted the benefits of buying products manufactured in America, such as higher product quality and the positive impact on the U.S. economy. However, as recent events show, your manufacturing location matters more than ever, particularly for your supply chain.
On October 1, 2024, dockworkers at 36 of the U.S.’s largest ports officially went on strike. These workers, represented by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), are calling for significant wage increases and a complete ban on automation. As a result, delays and disruptions in the shipping industry are expected to escalate, affecting products that pass through key East and Gulf Coast ports like Philadelphia, Texas, and Maine.
How the U.S. Dockworker Strike Impacts Supply Chains
This strike has the potential to severely disrupt supply chains, particularly for companies relying on overseas shipments. As goods pile up in port and shipping timelines grow longer, companies' logistical challenges are only expected to increase. While international shipping costs—including customs fees, tariffs, and insurance—are already higher than domestic shipping, the soft costs associated with training teams to navigate complex overseas shipments add even more strain.
These disruptions could create significant inventory shortages for companies already dealing with extended supply chains. For consumers, this means potential delays in receiving goods, particularly for holiday shopping and items like cars, alcohol, toys, and other imports. Ports not affected by the strike, such as those on the West Coast, may temporarily benefit, but it won’t be long before they face overwhelming demand.
Why American Manufacturing is the Smart Choice
The advantages of buying American-made products are even more apparent in times like these. U.S.-based manufacturing means shorter supply chains, reduced shipping costs, and fewer logistical headaches when crises like the current dockworker strike hit. At SSP, we’ve prioritized keeping our operations in America for precisely these reasons. All our manufacturing occurs in our 165,000 sq. ft. facility near Cleveland, Ohio, the industry's largest vertically integrated single-site operation.
Because of this, we don’t rely on overseas suppliers for critical processes like ferrule hardening or forgings. By sourcing from American suppliers and producing everything domestically, we maintain tight control over quality, costs, and lead times, offering our customers faster service and better products. In fact, most of our stocked items ship the next day, and non-stocked items ship within three days to four weeks—giving us a record of over 99.0% on-time delivery.
Resilience in Times of Crisis
Amid growing supply chain uncertainty, U.S. manufacturing also provides a safety net for companies looking to avoid the delays and complications associated with overseas 
production. Unlike businesses facing the logistical nightmare of diverted shipments or port delays, SSP and other U.S.-based manufacturers remain primarily insulated from these issues.
Our local distribution partners, with locations across the United States, ensure that our customers receive their products on time, even in the face of external disruptions. By choosing American-made products, you support the U.S. economy and invest in a more reliable, efficient supply chain.
Conclusion
The ongoing U.S. dockworker strike highlights how vulnerable global supply chains can be. As companies scramble to navigate port delays and rising costs, those who choose American-made products from manufacturers like SSP will find themselves in a far better position to maintain consistency and service.
To learn more about how SSP’s American-made products can enhance your supply chain, contact us today or find your local SSP Distribution Partner at www.mySSP.com/distributors.