After 13 months of tense negotiations a tentative agreement has been reached between the International Longshore & Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association for a six-year deal for dockworkers at US West Coast Ports.In this episode of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast we talk to Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta, about the importance of the deal and what happens next.Speaking with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News, the conversation covers: The run up to the tentative agreement and why it is so important that it has been reached.The risk that the tentative deal may not be ratified and being prepared for that.The impact of the protracted negotiations on US West Coast gateway ports.Can West Coast ports win business back that has shifted to the US East Coast?Other supply chain issues on the radar in the coming months shippers should plan for.Listen to the episode now to find out moreIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads. Feel free also to recommend the show to a friend or colleague that you think would enjoy it.  For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries make sure you visit www.searade-maritime.com or subscribe to our newsletter.Connect with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News:Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1 Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn