Reefer Shippers Grapple with Longer Booking Times, Box Shortages
Cold chain shippers have faced extended booking lead times and logistical hurdles akin to dry cargo issues, the Journal of Commerce reports. Challenges are particularly acute for Asian exports, while Brazil deals with equipment shortages, congestion, and port developments impacting refrigerated imports and exports.
You don’t want refrigerated good to have delays, since they are perishable and can diminish the overall quality/profitability. However, despite these challenges, insurers note that there has been no significant uptick in claims for spoiled cold chain or perishable goods.
Do you ship refrigerated goods? If so, what do you think? Have you been seeing longer booking times/box shortages?
Carriers Temporarily Pause Bookings from India to U.S.
Finding available space aboard vessels bound from India to U.S. has become futile as major carriers have temporarily paused bookings for upcoming sailings.
Through most of July, open market bookings for most services between the two countries have already been filled. Next to demand, schedule disruptions due to Red Sea diversions and congestion across Asian ports have exacerbated capacity on the trade lane.
The second half of July is expected to be the earliest opportunity for securing space on services from India to U.S. coasts.