A potential strike involving 45,000 dockworkers across East Coast and Gulf ports is imminent, with nearly all talks having stalled. Scheduled to begin at midnight, the strike could result in significant product shortages and increased prices just ahead of the holiday season. Many retailers, including Costco and others, are bracing for potential disruptions that could lead to a $5 billion daily cost to the economy. The situation is exacerbated by concerns over infrastructure damage following Hurricane Helene. With time running out to negotiate a resolution, experts warn that the strike could fuel inflation and impact thousands of jobs. As operations come to a halt, ports from Maine to Texas would be affected, prompting a scramble among truckers and rail services to reroute billions in cargo. Local governments, including New York and New Jersey, are preparing for the fallout from this labor action.