IMPORT: Asia to North America (TPEB)

Recent Developments:

• West Coast contract negotiations remain stalling, while job-related actions staged by union dockworkers heat up at several WC ports, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Seattle.
• Slow steaming joins the mix as another tactic from carriers to regain some control over the market.

Rates: Rates remain low, but some carriers are issuing general rate increases (GRIs) for June.
Space: Space is open.
Capacity: Open but carriers are aggressive with managing their excess capacities.
Equipment: Available at virtually all inland and coastal points, however, remain diligent with planning as shippers are still reporting demurrage blunders mainly on weekends from a lack of equipment access. Many equipment lessors are only open Monday through Friday.
TIPS:

• Keep a pulse on inventory and be sure to have a logistics game plan in place for when your ready to take on orders.
• Pay special attention to how carriers are reacting to this lull in the market.
• Hold your logistics partners accountable for frequent updates regarding blank sailings, rate increases, or any other forms of market maintenance.

IMPORT: Europe to North America (TAWB)

Rates: Rates are continuing to fall heading into June.
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.
• Rates, while falling, are still high compared to other trades. Carriers still possess a degree of power in the transatlantic over the shipper (as opposed to the transpacific). Keep these dynamics in mind.
• Premium add-ons (i.e., no-roll options and improved cargo reliability) remain assurances shippers should consider with transatlantic service.

EXPORT: North America to Asia

Rates: Rates are low and level. 
Space: Space is open but tighter on U.S. Gulf Coast 
Capacity: Capacity is widely available for all services however blank sailings are not out of the question for this trade.
Equipment: Availability at virtually all inland points and seaports. However, chassis access remains posing 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 the carriers’ receptiveness to take on these opportunities. Space is wide open with a high acceptance rate.