Container Logistics Congestion Reaches Critical
Dear Customers,
Congestion in Melbourne’s landside container logistics chain along with Sydney Port Botany has reached critical levels, driven by exceptionally strong import volumes and a backlog of empty containers not evacuated from the Ports by shipping lines.
The number of containers discharged from vessels (full or empty) through the Ports are well exceeding the number of containers loaded out (full or empty), leading to a negative discharge / load ratio. Congestion at empty container parks and direct terminal return options has ensued.
Transport operators are also experiencing a lack of available slots for import empty de-hires and export empty pick-ups, diminished truck servicing times, and the added costs of container yard staging, multiple handling, more truck kilometres travelled, time delays and the additional costs of truck queuing.
Container detention disputes between shipping lines, importers and transport operators are also on the rise, despite the lack of slot and gate-in capacity at terminals and empty container parks employed by the shipping lines contributing to the delays. It is predicted that if this trend continues shipping in East Coast ports may come to a complete gridlock.
Full story on Melbourne Port HERE
We will provide further updates as information becomes available or for any queries please contact your customer service representative or send your enquiry to [email protected].
