Asia Container Crisis Getting Worse Not Better
The situation facing importers from Asia has continued to worsen over recent weeks and looks set to continue until Chinese New Year in February.
Major issues with container equipment, space and vessels avoiding the UK altogether, are making it incredibly difficult to obtain any bookings at the moment and in some cases rates have moved to over USD10,000 (per 40ft container) for the first time.
Some shipping lines have even suspended taking bookings for all destinations in Europe until late January, as further blanked (cancelled) sailings have been announced.
Follow Us
Stay up to date with our news and articles on social media
The meltdown of the UK’s container ports – caused by high peak season volumes and coronavirus measures – has led to carriers deciding to omit UK ports on many vessel schedules during December and January.
With the reduced capacity to the UK and severe equipment shortages – where China’s South is currently the most affected – carriers are having major difficulties fulfilling most bookings.
Even for those fortunate enough to obtain bookings, we are still witnessing critical UK port and container transport congestion and delays, and many importers have had their products diverted to European ports. Thousands of containers will be stranded in Europe for up to four weeks, that were originally on vessels en-route to the UK for Christmas sales.
Evolution Forwarding specialise in the movement of lithium batteries and many other UN classified products, internationally, by air, ocean and road. We provide a complete solution which includes packing, documentation, compliance and also supply any training required.
For further information on our services please email info@evolutionforwarding.com or call 0800 4346244.
Contact Us
Tel 0800 434 6244
Email info@evolutionforwarding.com
brought to you by the dangerous goods people
Evolution Forwarding offer a range of dangerous goods and logistics services including packing, classification, training, DGSA services, air freight, ocean freight and road freight.
Related Articles
China Tightens Dangerous Goods Rules From Ningbo
Dangerous goods shipments from Ningbo port are now subject to stricter controls, following the explosion aboard the Yang Ming Mobility at the end of August.
Ocean Carriers Clamping Down On Lithium Batteries
Ocean freight carriers are starting to tighten up on the shipment of lithium batteries, which can no longer be loaded together with other dangerous goods.
US Port Strike Seemingly Fast Approaching
A major port strike is set to impact 36 ports on the US East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, which could have a devastating effect on US ocean freight services from October if an agreement cannot be reached in the next week.
