The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a tentative agreement on a new six-year master contract. The agreement will replace the expiring contract

Trade groups and industry leaders were at ease after the International Longshoremen’s Association the United States Maritime Alliance reached a tentative agreement on a six-year contract for East and Gulf Coast port workers on Wednesday.

President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement: “This tentative contract agreement is great news for red meat exporters and for all of U.S. agriculture. The assurance that there will be no work stoppage at East and Gulf Coast ports eliminates a cloud of uncertainty and bolsters the U.