Key notes on the Pacific trade
Equipment shortage remains an industry-wide challenge and the limiting factor for shipments out of Asia. While the initial shortage was for 40’ container types, the duration of demand has resulted in shortages of alternate sizes as well being used as substitution. 20’s and 45’s are limited in specific areas and 40’ NOR (Non-Operating Reefer) also have restricted availability. Repositioning and in-fleeting will remain a focus for JAN & FEB in an effort to reduce the equipment strain as we move through the Lunar New Year.
As we head into the holiday weeks import dwell continues to increase and with volumes not expected to subside until after Chinese New Year - we are raising concerns that the cascading effect on container terminal operations could deteriorate at an accelerated pace in the coming weeks.
