Due to severe congestion issues in the GTA, the timely return of empty containers remains a serious problem. Empty return terminals are at over-capacity in most cases, resulting in limited options to return empty containers until space is available. As a result, drayage providers are forced to hold empty containers at their depots, awaiting a return time to become available. The end result is that the drayage companies are charging additional fees such as pre-pull and daily yard storage fees.
Coupled with this, steamship lines continue to charge daily detention fees once free time expires. All such additional fees are being passed onto shippers, who are bearing the brunt of these unanticipated costs, which in many cases are very significant. The issue is also compounding the existing problem of limited drayage availability, as cartage companies equipment is tied up, holding these empty containers on site.
We are monitoring the situation closely and will advise accordingly.
For more information, please call David Lychek, Director – Ocean & Air Services at (905) 882-4880, ext. 1207.
