A coalition of trade associations wants the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association to start contract discussions early to prevent shipment disruptions at West Coast ports. The National Pork Producers Council is part of that coalition. Spokesman Dave Warner says lengthy disruptions in late 2014 and early 2015 was costly to his industry.

Warner says if the two sides start discussions now before their present five year contract expires in 2019, it will prevent loss of markets and spoiled product.

Soy Transportation Coalition Executive Director Mike Steenhoek says any kind of disruption can also cause permanent loss of grain export markets and that needs to be prevented.

The Coalition that sent the letter is made up of 113 groups.