Weekly Logistics Update: Trouble Spots

As an initial comment, global schedule delays, rolled bookings, and port omissions continue to be problematic almost everywhere. Carriers are rolling cargo and providing explanations ranging from operational issues, overweight vessels, port omissions, weather, or general schedule disruption. Some of the specific issues are outlined below:

Italy: The port of Genoa continues to suffer with a huge backlog. Genoa is one of the main exit ports for cargo moving to the USA and multiple steamship lines have announced that they will not allow any additional containers to enter the port for the next few weeks. This is creating additional delays for cargo moving to USA from Italy.

UK: The trucking and intermodal congestion in the UK remains high. As an example, the rail service from Scotland to Southampton port is 100% booked for the next 3 weeks and obtaining truck service is extremely difficult. Service to and from the UK and Continental Europe is also extremely congested with COVID infections dramatically reducing the number of drivers available.  

Chile: Over the weekend the border between Argentina and Chile was closed due to personnel from Customs testing positive for COVID-19. The border has since reopened but with staff shortages, there are still many truckers waiting to cross, and thus some cargo has been delayed. Additionally, several vessels have had to quarantine due to crew members testing positive for COVID-19. This also has caused cargo delays and container rollover, and vessels are exploring options to handle the backlog this situation has created. 

Los Angeles/Long Beach:  The dwell fee has again been postponed, this time to January 21st. The ports continue to push the fee stating that they have seen a 55% decline in aging cargo on the docks since the fee was originally announced in October. We will continue to provide updates and information on any further postponements as available.