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Showing posts from September, 2020

Sydney Port Congestion: Empty Container Parking and Vessel Delays

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The port of Sydney, Australia is currently experiencing severe congestion. The congestion has been caused by multiple factors including industrial actions and bad weather. As a result, the congestion has caused significant vessel delays, Sydney port omissions and change of vessel rotations. Due to an increase in costs, ocean carriers have introduced a Sydney Port Congestion surcharge of USD 280-350 per TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent) for any cargo to or from Sydney.  Unfortunately, this surcharge also means that LCL (Less Than Container) rates will increase by USD 13 w/m for cargo to or from Sydney. The ongoing issues have prompted shipping line Maersk to temporarily cease accepting any bookings to Sydney until at least Thursday, October 1, 2020. With this port congestion, Sydney is also currently facing a problem with their empty container depots which have reached their capacities. Some have closed their doors for dehiring or returning empty containers.   It’s estimated there is c

How to ship by air during the Covid-19 pandemic?

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For shipping, the Covid-19 virus has changed the ways of doing business. It’s more complicated. There are many restrictions. And although some restrictions are being lifted slowly, almost everyone is faced with the problem of how to get orders from suppliers to consumers in a timely manner. Globally, airlines are in a difficult position with many international borders still closed for passengers. Much of the air freight cargo travels traditionally on commercial passenger flights and they carry products ranging from fresh fruit and vegetables, retail inventories, pharmaceuticals, clothing, spare parts, machinery and much more. While commercial passenger flights still remain grounded, many airlines today are providing “cargo only” flights or “freighter aircraft” services. These flights carry freight only and are able to move across international borders and provide a solution for time-critical supply chains. The shift made by airlines from traditional passenger flights to providing c