IMPORT: Asia to North America (TPEB)

Recent Developments:

• General rate increases (GRIs) are heating up in the transpacific, however some are skeptical on how long carriers can keep rates high through these means.

•West Coast contract negotiations (between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA)) remain active. The existing labor contract between the two parties expired July 1, 2022.

For more on the West Coast labor talks, consider signing up for our Interlog Insights newsletter! Last month, our team of experts dissected recent developments around this pressing issue for international shipping.

Rates: Carrier-imposed increases have lifted rates up, but with demand still low, it’s uncertain how long they’ll stick.
Space: Space is open.
Capacity: Open but expect carrier maintenance in the form of blank sailings and slow steaming.
Equipment: Available at virtually all inland and coastal points. Chassis access can still pose demurrage headaches for intermodal shippers, however. 
TIPS:
• If you have ready cargo, consider the potential cost savings of booking ahead of future GRIs. Market trends indicate more increases are to come.
• Hold your logistics partners accountable on frequent updates regarding blank sailings, rate increases or any other carrier tactics.

IMPORT: Europe to North America (TAWB)

Rates: Rates continue to fall and, depending on the origin and routing, can vary vastly in price.
Space: Space is open.
Capacity: Capacity is open.
Equipment: Availability on both origin and destination sides, unless advised otherwise.
TIPS:
• Book at least three weeks prior to ready date.
• Premium add-ons (i.e., no-roll options and improved cargo reliability) remain assurances shippers should add to the tab with transatlantic service.

EXPORT: North America to Asia

Recent Developments:

•This outbound side has been impacted by a dormant import market, particularly on the West Coast. Top export hubs, like Oakland and Seattle, have cut down on dockworker shifts putting a strain on outbound flow.

Rates: Rates are low and level.
Space: Space is wide open.
Capacity: Capacity is widely available for all services.
Equipment: Availability at virtually all inland points and seaports. However, chassis, like for importers, can pose challenges for intermodal movement.
TIPS:
• Book at least two weeks prior to the time of departure.
• Shippers with high volume projects should take advantage of carrier receptiveness to take on these opportunities. Space is wide open with a high acceptance rate.
• Pay attention to how carrier maintenance in the transpacific may affect the export market.