Urgent Attention Required for Pending Orders - UK ports experiencing severe delays.
Tuesday 06 October 2020
URGENT NOTICE RELATED TO DELAYS OUT OF UK PORTS
This is not BREXIT related it is increased global demand/covid restrictions/bad weather/etc.
Please read the information as supplied from our shipping partners.
Dear Customers/Suppliers
Please find below latest news on delays for shipments from UK affecting both FCL and LCL shipments.
We would therefore advise that if you do have any orders pending that they are received well in advance so that we are able to book the vessels in time and lessen any potential disruption and delays.
BOOK YOUR EXPORT FCL SHIPMENTS AT LEAST 2 WEEKS IN ADVANCE
UK container logistics is currently struggling to cope with the demand which is resulting in delays at ports and with collections/deliveries nationwide. The ports have been overwhelmed with shipments from Asia following the lockdowns earlier this year and are suffering with huge congestion issues.
In particular, the Port of Felixstowe is struggling with operational issues post-covid and delivery slots are booked up to 2 weeks in advance.
Other factors affecting the ports are:-
Bad weather – vessels are being delayed on the water and therefore missing berthing slots
Reduced Capacity – COVID secure procedures are meaning shift changes are taking longer, the workforce are at reduced capacity due to new hygiene regimes
Empty containers – as manufacturers re-open and start producing the demand is starting to pick up on exports albeit slowly. This is causing build up of empty containers congesting at ports
Transport operators are equally having their own issues which is only worsening the situation. Driver shortages in the post-covid market, in the form of return overseas nationals and furloughed staff means there is not enough transport to cover the current demand.
THIS SITUATION IS LIKELY TO WORSEN ON THE RUN UP TO CHRISTMAS, PROMPT ACTION IS ADVISED.
If you do know of any upcoming order requirements, please forward us your enquiries and we will look to obtain vessel space and haulage.
Thanking you in advance.