Dear Clients,
The pressures on shipping are continuing with worldwide container shortages, leading to delays in loading, leading to cost rises.
Many of us thought that now in “ slack “ season, that we may see rates and services start to normalise but we are seeing the opposite with continually worsening services.
- Costs ex Europe, including all Mediterranean ports are continuing their ever progressive rate rises.
- Cost ex China & SEA ports did reduce somewhat form January highs, but they are still historically very high, June
will see increases in rates. Something to consider …… in peak season ( approx. 3 months away ) rates generally
double from slack season rates. So if rate now USD 2200 / 20’ – we could see USD 4000 + / 20’ rates ???
- Please expect extreme freight increases from all origins over the coming months. For example we have received broadcasts of proposed increases from the two direct carriers from Europe of US$1200/20ft container, effective 1st July 2021.
SPECIAL NOTE: We understand that the Italian market is extremely important to ceramic importers, hence this message to inform:
that ex Italy and Spain for tranship clients, we are needing to wait until the end of June for loadings as a result of empty container shortages and continuing booking cancellations from shipping lines for Australian bound cargo. Please be aware in coming weeks, tranship importers from Italy may be forced to use direct service only at considerably higher freight rates. This situation is changing daily and we will keep you informed. Meantime, any current loadings you know are urgent, please advise.
In order to explain to your clients of shipment delays currently being experienced, tell them your container is on vessel attached, and that NO you have no idea when it will arrive.
As per usual we are tirelessly working with our agents ( in many cases multiple good agents in any one country ) to offer our clients
the best conditions during these difficult times.