Headlines 

• Contract negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) have been suspended until June 1. See below in the newsletter for more details. 
• According to the Journal of Commerce, ocean carriers are skipping some calls to Canada and the US East Coast and shifting arrival dates in June as North American port congestion and delays force liners to rework schedules. 

UPDATE: U.S./Canada Ports – Number of Vessels at Anchor as of 05/24/22 

• Vancouver: 23 Vessels at Anchor (+2) 
• New York/Newark: 14 Vessels at Anchor (-2) 
• Houston: 14 Vessels at Anchor (+1) 
• Savannah: 13 Vessels at Anchor (+1) 
• San Francisco/Oakland: 6 Vessels at Anchor (-2) 
• Charleston: 5 Vessels at Anchor (+4) 
• Los Angeles/Long Beach: 4 Vessels at Anchor (-6) 

Note: This does not include vessels moored and being unloaded at port docks.  

Courtesy: MarineTraffic 

IMPORT: Asia to North America (TPEB) 

Recent Developments:  

• Lockdown measures imposed in Shanghai and the subsequent impacts of them remain in play. Restrictions continue to be imposed for manufacturing within the region. See below for more details.   
• There remains uncertainty on when exactly Shanghai will begin reopening and easing off its restrictions and lockdown measures, though many are anticipating mid-to-late June.  
• Demand is relatively lower than what it has been over the past year ahead of traditional peak season. 
• Industry forecasts—while not all—assert that demand will spike to elevated levels when Covid-related lockdowns and restrictions ease in China.  
• Congestion at Los Angeles/Long Beach has alleviated in the time being due to impacts of Covid-19 lockdown measures and restrictions in China.  
• However, container dwell time still remains within a range of five to seven days as rail infrastructure struggles to handle volumes.  

Rates: Rates remain relatively elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels. However, USWC-bound sailings are seeing alleviation in rates. Some transpacific carriers have announced GRIs for June to all Canadian and U.S. destinations from Asian and Indian Sub-Continent origins.  
Space: Space has opened up in result of China’s Covid-related restrictions, particularly FAK (Freight-of-all-kinds) space on services calling from Shanghai. However, for temperature-controlled and hazardous cargo, space is critical.  
Capacity: Capacity has also seen some softening due to China’s Covid-related restrictions. However, as more shippers shift to the USEC, capacity has also tightened in pockets.  
Equipment: Intermodal systems are still stressed with truck and chassis availability remaining dire.  
TIPS: Book at least 3 weeks prior to CRD. Strongly consider premium service and alternative routings. Additionally, be in contact with suppliers to check up on any Covid-related developments that can affect production.  

IMPORT: Europe to North America (TAWB) 

Recent Developments:  

• USWC ports remain congested. However, wait times for vessels have vastly improved. In some cases, wait times have cut down to even 10 days at Los Angeles/Long Beach ports.  
• On the USEC, the Port of Charleston has sustained improvements to its operations and has significantly decreased its number of waiting vessels offshore. 

Rates: Tightened capacity and fully booked vessels have led to increases in rates.    
Space: Space remains critical for USEC and USWC.  
Capacity: Capacity for both North Europe and Mediterranean services remain gripped as a continuing result of high demand. Port congestion at USWC and USEC ports, while improved, also remain a contributor in capacity issues.  
Equipment: Equipment remains available at European seaports. However, inland terminals in Europe are still reporting equipment shortages.  
TIPS: Book 5 or more weeks prior to CRD. Shippers are strongly advised to consider premium service for no-roll options and improved reliability for their cargo.  

EXPORT: North America to Asia 

Recent Developments: 

• Congestion remains considerable at some USEC ports—notably, New York/Newark.  
• Diminishing schedule integrity is contributing to void sailings, delays, vessel cut-offs at ports, and challenging post earliest return dates. 
• Vessel arrivals remain smooth for USWC POLs. 

Rates: GRI activity (limited) announced for May. As of now, no announcements for June GRIs.  
Capacity: Available capacity remains fluid for USWC POLs.  
Equipment: Truck and chassis availability remain causes for concern and has significantly contributed to congestion of the intermodal system.  
TIPS: Book 4 to 6 weeks prior to ETD to secure equipment and vessel space.