Airfreight rates are still fluctuating, on the Asia to Europe and Asia to US trade routes capacity has increased due to a quieter than usual Peak Season. This means we are able to negotiate competitive ad-hoc rates with airlines, particularly on outbound shipments from countries such as Indonesia and Thailand.
For air freight out of Europe we are expecting capacity to drop and rates to rise slightly as airlines introduce their winter schedules – with less passenger flights.
In the Americas rates remain steady and airports are running at a normal pace, we are now seeing a slight increase in capacity into Europe.
Seafreight is experiencing the same drop in demand due to a subdued Peak Season, and ocean carriers are being forced to adjust weekly capacity on Asia to Europe and the US routes. This means sailings will be withdrawn in the coming months, we are therefore expecting delays as cargo waiting to be loaded or offloaded has to wait for the next sailing. This also means containers may incur demurrage and detention charges if they exceed their free days at port.
Port congestion in Europe continues to cause delays and late return of vessels to Asia, but space is available. You will need to plan to allow some flexibility when planning your shipments.
Our team will do everything they can to assist clients with the movement of their goods.
Having a back-up transport arrangement in this situation can be more expensive but helps with businesses continuity – maintaining stock inventory and supply chain logistics.
An alternative to carrier owned containers (COC), is shipper owned containers (SOC). With SOC you can avoid demurrage and detention costs from the carrier, you are in charge of the hire and supply of the container, negotiating rates directly which gives you more control to manage your shipping costs. At TPS we can assist with the process.
We are recommending booking sea freight at least 2 weeks prior to your cargo ready date and keep in mind upcoming blank sailings.
UK/Europe road transport traffic is being affected by the summer drought, extremely low water levels across the continent has disrupted inland navigation. Barges currently cannot go past Cologne on the Rhine, which blocks the whole Western/South-Western part of Germany from being serviced via waterways.
With barges in Germany and the Netherlands only able to take half loads there is pressure on Rotterdam/Antwerp port capacity, as 38% of all containers move to/from Rotterdam via inland waterways. This is causing overbooked rail and truck options.
You can speak to one of our friendly and experienced team about alternative freight options, we can make route recommendations based on your budget and timeframe.
Call us on + 44 (0)1622 237 979 or email sales@tps-global.com