The American Association of Port Authorities today sent a strong message to Congressional Senate, House and Committee leaders, urging them to "take swift action" to avert a rail strike on Dec. 6, which would lead to a discontinuation of freight rail service, potentially costing American businesses and consumers $2 billion a day. "Railroads are a vital component of the freight transportation system and are critical to international trade and goods movement to and from our nation’s seaports," wrote AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle.