JESSUP, Md. (DC News Now) – Thousands of dockworkers at ports along the East and Gulf Coasts are expected to go on strike starting at midnight. Officials said the strike will have a major impact on the nation’s supply chain, which includes local ports and trucking companies. Dockworkers are asking for increased salaries and a complete ban on automation before they agree to return to work at the ports. In the meantime, one trucking company that services the Baltimore Port said it worries about what this strike means for its employees. Looming dockworkers strike could have impact on supply chain Richard Kane is the president and CEO of The Kane Group, which owns Capitol Express trucking company. He said the strike will have a drastic impact on truck drivers across the country. “What you’re really dealing with is the trucking operators are really kind of left hanging to financially fend for themselves during this dock shutdown,” Kane said. He hopes the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance can come to an agreement soon because if not, he says it can mean trouble for trucking companies and consumers. “It’s all a matter of the longer the delay,” Kane said, “The more complicated it gets and the more problematic for us. It will be a part of everything we do and everything we buy.” Kane Group general manager, John Schmidt said if the strike lasts for some time, it could cause a backlog at their warehouse, which could lead to even more problems. “If business slows down,” Schmidt said. “I have to redo schedules if I need to and try to find things for my guys to do, and hopefully, not lay anybody off.” How a dockworker strike could impact everyday costs, delivery times Schmidt said they’re hoping for the best possible outcome but understand there’s still a lot of uncertainty. “If they go on strike,” Schmidt said. “Then we’re going to have to let them know what our plan is going to be, and we haven’t solidified that plan yet. We’re just going to have to play it by ear, I think.”