North America Supply Chain Delays

Since the outbreak of Covid back in 2020, North American ocean freight movements have been gradually becoming more problematic, with availability on vessels now the most prominent issue.

As things stand, there is a booking waiting time of between 4-6 weeks for all full load exports to the US,  with around 2-3 weeks for full load imports from the US.

Over recent weeks, service schedules have become far less reliable and the industry has witnessed a high volume of port omissions, short shipments and rollover bookings.

With the ongoing problems with US domestic transport, low chassis availability, and port and terminal congestion, the situation is extremely challenging, resulting in delays and additional costs being incurred at short notice.

Further challenges are expected if the proposed CP Canadian rail-workers strike goes ahead. This was due to commence yesterday, and while seemingly delayed, is still deemed likely to go ahead in the next few days.

Meanwhile, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) is committed to an “ongoing investigation into supply chain disruption”, and news broke this week that at least one of the world’s biggest two carriers have been subpoenaed.

The Atlantic Pacific team are keeping a close eye on  developments and will bring you any further significant updates as they come.