Container shortages, space constraints and port/terminal issues have been plaguing importers from Asia since September, and are continuing to worsen. Sources say that container shortages at the ports of Xiamen, Ningbo, and Shanghai, are so serious that some vessels are leaving Asia without full loads as there is not enough equipment to be found. Not only is equipment an issue, but getting space is equally as challenging. Many carriers have their space full through to the second week of December.
This issue coupled with weather related problems at load ports throughout Asia have disrupted container schedules causing complications and delays at Canadian ports. The ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert are expected to be dealing with vessel delays and longer container dwell time through to the end of the year. Container dwell time is the average number of days it takes for the container to load to rail once discharged from the vessel. We are also seeing delays at the Port of Montreal and to a lesser extent in Halifax, as well as congestion issues at destination rail terminals, most notably Toronto which receives a high amount of import volume cargo destined to Canada.
We urge clients to be prepared for delays and allow for longer transit times than normal for their orders to arrive.
For more information, please call Debbie McGuire, Manager – Freight Solutions at (905) 882-4880, ext. 1308.
