Sisters and Brothers,
Good afternoon! I hope everyone is doing well.
As promised, I want to continue building this President’s Page into a central location where our membership can find weekly operational updates, volume forecasts, hiring information, safety reminders, and news about the direction of our Local. This page is still a work in progress, but my goal is simple, to keep every member informed with accurate information directly from your elected officers.
Weekly Operations Recap
Last week, the Port of Savannah handled 65,160 container moves across 34 vessel calls, finishing with an overall Gross Production of 27.64 GMPH.
While production was below the standard we have established over the past several months, the operation still handled a strong amount of cargo. We all know the severe weather and vessel grounding created challenges throughout the week, but we also know we are capable of better. Our focus now shifts back to production and executing at the high level that has become the expectation of ILA Local 1475.
The encouraging news is that this week’s early production numbers are already trending in the right direction. We are currently averaging 10,232 lifts per day, the strongest daily average we’ve seen in recent reports. That tells us the opportunity is there whenever vessels are available and the operation remains fluid.
Four-Week Vessel Outlook
Week Vessel Calls Forecasted Lifts
6/29 (Current Week) 31 55,202
7/6 42 73,213
7/13 44 74,725
7/20 40 52,811
Although next week will be lighter because of the Independence Day holiday, it will be extremely important that we maintain strong production before the non-workday. Clearing berths and reducing vessels at anchor before the holiday will put the Port in a much better position heading into the following weeks, where volume increases significantly.
Simply put, the work is coming. The opportunity is there. Now it’s up to all of us to capitalize on it.
New Hiring Process
The new hiring process for ILA Local 1475 is quickly approaching.
Beginning July 6th, all Sponsorship Applications, “HOLD” Applications, and all required supporting documents will be available for download on the ILA 1475 website.
Applications will remain available through July 10th.
All applications must be postmarked no later than July 10th to be accepted for review by our third-party administrator.
Please read every instruction carefully before submitting your application. Incomplete applications or applications that do not follow the directions will be rejected.
I will continue sending reminders throughout the week leading up to July 6th so no one misses the application window.
MIS Transition
MIS representatives will return beginning Tuesday to begin dispatcher training.
The current implementation plan remains on schedule for a full transition on October 1st.
Please continue testing the system and providing feedback. Every issue identified today helps make tomorrow’s rollout smoother for everyone.
VCC Trainers
Please continue utilizing your VCC Trainers.
These positions were created to help every member become more proficient in our operation. Don’t wait for a trainer to approach you. If there is something you don’t understand or simply want to learn, ask questions.
Knowledge makes every one of us better.
Safety First
Nothing we accomplish matters if everyone doesn’t return home safely.
With summer temperatures increasing, hydration has become one of our biggest safety priorities.
Remember:
Hydration begins the day before your shift, not when you arrive at work.
Drink water consistently throughout the day.
Consider electrolyte replacement during extremely hot weather.
Watch out for your Brothers and Sisters. If someone appears overheated or fatigued, step in and help.
To support this effort, officers from Local 1475 are currently building a rolling hydration trailer that will soon be traveling throughout the terminal providing cold water and hydration supplies directly to our members.
Looking out for one another has always been one of the greatest strengths of this Local.
Additional Safety Reminders
Always wear your seat belt while operating equipment.
Proper Safety Vests worn at all times
Beginning July 1st, Netrodyne cameras will begin issuing alerts for seat belt violations and mobile phone use while operating equipment.
Never lash containers that are not properly seated.
Verify twist locks are fully engaged before signaling a crane.
Maintain visual contact during two-man gang operations.
Stop operations immediately if a container hangs or fails to seat properly.
Continue improving hatch cover placement and gear bin management to eliminate unnecessary hazards.
Our newest Brothers and Sisters are nearly five times more likely to be injured than experienced workers. Let’s continue mentoring them and setting them up for success.
Production & Operations
Despite weather delays, including 50+ hours this month, our operation continues making significant improvements.
Some highlights include:
277,505 lifts completed during May
Record cycle production
Continued improvements in gate operations
Stronger communication between departments
Improved TICO dispatch accuracy
Successful implementation of additional two-lane cycling opportunities
Special recognition goes to everyone involved with the HMM Amethyst, which completed 6,218 moves at 31.25 Gross MPH.
Excellent work.
Looking Ahead
Every week we continue adding opportunities for our membership.
More jobs. More man hours. More responsibility. More opportunity.
That doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens because the men and women of ILA Local 1475 continue proving every single day that we can perform at the highest level.
Let’s keep building…….TOGETHER!
Final Thoughts
Thank you for everything you continue to do.
Every vessel you turn… Every extra shift you cover… Every new member you help… Every safe decision you make…
It all matters.
Continue treating each other with respect. You never know what someone beside you may be carrying. If a Brother or Sister looks exhausted after doubling or tripling, offer them a break, a bottle of water, or simply some encouragement.
Small acts create a stronger union.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?” — Psalm 27:1
Faith. Purpose. Perseverance.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” — John Quincy Adams
“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” — Harry S. Truman
In Solidarity,
Josh & Team