Oceanfreight

VoxGroup continuously discusses current market conditions with the shipping lines and our partners across the globe, to ensure that we are receiving up to date information and the challenges that continue to face importers and exporters throughout the world.

Below is condensed information, however if you require further and or specific information please contact us, and we can discuss individual country and circumstances relative to your imports or exports;

1. Equipment

There is a vast equipment imbalance throughout certain countries that has led to delays in obtaining containers and being able to make bookings. As an example, within India, there is certain areas that currently have a 2-4 week wait on equipment and some lines are refusing to take bookings until late November.

In certain parts of China there are little 40’ & 40’HC containers and again this is affecting shipping lines accepting bookings and overall efficiency of the supply chain.

Working with our numerous partners in Europe, there is also European countries suffering the same issue with equipment shortages.

1. Reduced Capacity

Oceanfreight space is critical, with current sailings fully booked and some shipping lines not accepting bookings until the end of November, if your goods are required prior to Christmas, you will find that there is very little space to get it here in time.

With continued equipment issues out of most of India, South East Asia and China, space is at a premium and this has led to a number of carriers not accepting bookings until late November or even early December.

Transhipment ports also have their challenges, if you are shipping from Europe, USA and India, and they are transhipping through Asia, some of these transhipment ports are being delayed up to 2-3 weeks, waiting for their connecting vessel.

VoxLogistics continue to find solutions from our relationships with the shipping lines and overseas agents. Please provide us with as much information as possible to assist with you needs and arrival requirements.

1. Rates

Due to supply and demand, shipping lines are generally announcing rate increases on a fortnightly bases, rates will continue to increase and we do not believe that we are at the height of this rate cycle just yet.

VoxLogistics will continue to source different options, which can include longer transit times, later sailings, and a change in equipment, all of which is to assist in meeting your requirements to meet your supply chain needs.

1. Local Australian Challenges

There is no doubt the issues within Australia continue unabated. Whilst the unions and stevedores have called a truce on the industrial action, in most cases, the overall delays caused by the actions in September and October continue. There are still substantial delays across Australian ports and continued changes in port rotations which can either add or subtract days to the transit time.

The other area of concern is empty container parks. Not only have they increased their fees substantially, especially in Sydney, most are full and not accepting empty containers. We have heard numerous accounts were trucking companies have attended the container park at their allotted timeslot only to be turned away.
This also adds cost to the importer but also to the trucking companies and customs brokers, as the shipping companies then issue detention invoices which must be disputed.

It will take some time to clear the container parks to an acceptable level, as well as for the union and stevedore situation to be resolved.

Ultimately, we see the current scenarios continuing possibly through to Chinese New Year in February 2021, which is normally when the Australian market gets a chance to take a breath and catch up.

The above scenarios make for a challenging and interesting peak season this year. With increased lockdowns around the world due to COVID 19, and no real indication of how this will affect the supply chain, this year is going to be one to remember.

VoxGroup are here to assist in making sure you get the goods moving, on the service you need, with the best possible rate. We will continue to communicate with our partners to offer the best service and we ask that you advise all your requirements as early as practicable, so that we can work within your parameters.

Stay safe and if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.