Tens of thousands of union dockworkers from Main to Texas began walking the picket line Tuesday posing a major threat to the U.S. supply chain.

Better pay and the impact of automation on the shipping industry are at the heart of contract negotiations. The strike could drive up prices of just about everything and affect American's ability to get products from shoes to car parts, alcohol, and certain foods. Industry experts say consumers most likely won't notice any shortages for at least a few weeks.

But certain items will start disappearing if the strike doesn't end quickly. Perishable items that are imported such as bananas or coconuts would be among the first to disappear of shelves.

However, this time of year, most other fruits and vegetables are domestically grown and not processed through ports.

And, unlike the Covid pandemic, businesses had advanced warning that a strike was imminent, and most major retailers stocked up on goods and moved ahead shipments of holiday gift items.