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Information Update 2024

April 2024

    

Italy – 22 April

Due to a public holiday in Italy, there will be a driving ban on 25 April from 09:00 to 22:00. Rail terminals will be closed, and service will be reduced on 26 April. Our team will notify any affected customers.

Spain and Portugal – 22 April

The weather is improving in Spain and Portugal. However, there are still some delays in vessel departures.                          

Australia and New Zealand – 22 April

Orders from this region are being re-routed through the Cape of Good Hope, adding 15-20 days to the transit time.

Port congestion and operation schedule changes are causing delays to vessels. Any customers affected by these issues will be advised.               

South Africa – 22 April

Bad weather is causing departure delays. Any customers affected will continue to be updated.                               

USA – 22 April

Transit time is currently longer due to the drought in the Panama Canal region. Our team will inform any customers affected.                           

South America – 22 April

The Panama Canal’s weight restrictions are leading to space issues with shipping lines. Any customers affected will be advised.

There is low availability of 20ft equipment out of San Antonio.                                  

USA – Oakland Port is currently closed – 16 April

All terminals at the Oakland Port are currently closed due to protests. Our team is closely monitoring the situation.

Italy – 15 April

Some infrastructure work in Germany could affect some trains, causing delays. Our team will advise any customers affected.

Spain and Portugal – 15 April

Due to weather conditions, there is a backlog of vessels, causing delays in Spain and Portugal. 

Australia and New Zealand – 15 April

There are delays in South Island, NZ. Our team will advise any customers affected by these issues. Also, orders from Australia and New Zealand continue to be rerouted through the Cape of Good Hope, which unfortunately adds 15-20 days to the transit time. Port congestion and operation schedule changes are causing some vessel delays.

South Africa – 15 April

Bad weather is causing departure delays. The schedule is actively being adjusted as the situation is being monitored. Any customers affected will continue to be updated.

USA – 15 April

Transit time is currently longer due to the drought in the Panama Canal region. Any customers affected will be informed.

South America – 15 April

The Panama Canal’s weight restrictions lead to space issues with shipping lines. Any customers affected will be advised.

RCH – There is low availability of 20ft equipment.

Italy – National strike on 11 April announced – 9 April

An upcoming strike in Italy may affect regional intermodal services, terminal activities and transport. Our team is closely monitoring the situation.

Spain and Portugal – 8 April

There is still a backlog of ships in Spain and Portugal, causing delays due to the weather conditions.

Australia and New Zealand

There are delays in the South Island region of New Zealand. Orders from Australia and New Zealand are being rerouted through the Cape of Good Hope, which adds 15-20 days to the transit time. Port congestion and operation schedule changes are causing vessel delays. Our team are advising any customers affected by these issues.

South Africa – 8 April

There are departure delays due to bad weather. The schedule is actively being adjusted as the situation is being monitored. Customers affected will continue to receive updates.

USA – 8 April

Transit time is currently longer due to the drought in the Panama Canal region. Any customers affected will be advised.

South America – 8 April

The Panama Canal’s weight restrictions are leading to space issues with shipping lines. Any customers affected will be advised. 
RCH – There is low availability of 20ft equipment.

South America – Strike announced at San Antonio port – 4 April

A strike was announced at San Antonio port for today, 4 April. However, none of our orders have been affected. Our team will keep you informed.

South Africa – Cape Town delays due to poor weather – 3 April

Due to the strong winds at the Cape Town Container Terminal on 2 April, operations on the landside have been temporarily suspended for 4 hours. During this period, normal appointment bookings will continue as scheduled. Lost time will be offset by extending stack dates and free storage periods, and free flow at the in-gates will be temporarily halted. Our team will provide further updates as we receive them.

Italy – 2 April

There is a driving ban that ends at 2 p.m. today. We will keep our customers informed in case it impacts them.

Spain and Portugal – 2 April

A backlog of vessel delays due to unfavourable weather conditions is potentially affecting operations in Spain and Portugal.

Australia and New Zealand – 2 April

In New Zealand, there are delays on the South Island. Our team will advise any customers about this if needed. Furthermore, orders from Australia and New Zealand are being re-routed through the Cape of Good Hope, which adds 15-20 days to the transit time.
Port congestion and operation schedule changes are causing delays for vessels. Our team will advise any customers affected by these issues.

South Africa – 2 April

Departures may be delayed due to unfavourable weather conditions and terminal delays. We will keep our affected customers updated with the latest information.

USA – 2 April

Transit time is currently longer due to the drought in the Panama Canal region. Our team will inform any customers affected.

South America – 2 April

The weight restrictions in the Panama Canal are causing space issues for shipping lines. Customers affected will be notified. Please note that there is currently a shortage of 20 ft of equipment.

 

March 2024

 

Italy – 25 March

We are monitoring a potential knock-on effect from the recent strike in Germany. Any affected customers will be updated on the matter.       

Spain and Portugal – 25 March

Bad weather in the Bay of Biscay is causing vessel delays. Customers affected will be advised.  

Australia and New Zealand – 25 March

Orders from this region continue to be rerouted through the Cape of Good Hope, which adds 15 to 20 days to the transit time.  Port congestion and operation schedule changes are causing delays for vessels. Our team are advising any customers affected by these issues.  

South Africa – 25 March

Departure delays are being experienced due to a combination of poor weather and terminal issues. We’ll keep the affected customers informed with the latest updates. 

USA – 25 March

Transit time is currently longer due to the drought in the Panama Canal region. Any customers affected will be informed.      

South America – 25 March

The Panama Canal’s weight restrictions are leading to space issues with shipping lines. Any customers affected will be advised.     

Italy – 18 March

Strikes in Germany may continue to have a knock-on effect on operations in Italy. Our team monitors the situation, and customers who might be affected will be updated.

Spain and Portugal – 18 March

Bad weather in the Bay of Biscay is still causing vessel delays. Customers affected will be advised.

Australia and New Zealand – 18 March

Orders from this region continue to be rerouted through the Cape of Good Hope, adding 15 to 20 days to the transit time. In Australia, port congestion and operation schedule changes are causing vessel delays. Our team assists affected customers.

South Africa – 18 March

There are departure delays due to poor weather and terminal issues in South Africa. We will keep affected customers updated on the situation.

USA – 18 March

Transit time is currently longer due to the drought in the Panama Canal region. Any customers who may be affected will be informed.

South America – 18 March

The Panama Canal’s weight restrictions are causing shipping lines to face space issues. Any affected customers will be advised.

Italy – 11 March

Strikes in Germany that occurred last week may have a knock-on effect, and the situation is being monitored. Our team will advise customers affected by this situation.     
   

Spain and Portugal – 11 March

Bad weather continues in the Bay of Biscay, which is causing vessel delays. Customers affected will be advised.  
   

Australia and New Zealand – 11 March

Orders from this region are being rerouted through the Cape of Good Hope, which unfortunately adds 15-20 days to the transit time. There are vessel delays in Australia due to port congestion and changes in operation schedules. Our team is advising any customers affected by these issues.  
 

South Africa – 11 March

Departures from the Windbound port are currently delayed. Customers affected will be provided with timely updates. 
 

USA – 11 March

Transit time to the USA is longer due to the drought in the Panama Canal region. Any customers affected will be informed.      
  

South America – 11 March

The weight restrictions in the Panama Canal are leading to some space issues with shipping lines. Any customers affected will be advised.  
 

Italy – 4 March

There are some rail cancellations in Rotterdam, which may affect some departures. Additionally, due to bad weather and a farmers’ strike, there are some vessel cancellations for P&O to Hull. Our team is closely monitoring the situation and will provide further advice to customers affected by this news.

Spain and Portugal – 4 March

The bad weather in the Bay of Biscay is causing vessel delays. Our team will advise the customers affected.

Australia and New Zealand – 4 March

Orders from this region continue to be re-routed through the Cape of Good Hope, adding 15-20 days to the transit time. In Australia, port congestion and operation schedule changes are causing vessel delays. Our team advise any customers affected by these issues.

South Africa – 4 March

Windbound port of Cape Town departures have been delayed. Customers affected have been updated.

USA – 4 March

Transit time is longer due to the drought in the Panama Canal region.

South America – 4 March

Equipment shortages and booking delays have occurred as a result of the wildfires’ cut-and-run operations. Any customers affected will be advised.

 

February 2024

Italy – 27 February

There are some rail cancellations in Rotterdam, which may affect some departures. Due to bad weather and farmers’ strikes, there are some vessel cancellations for P&O to Hull. Our team monitors the situation and will advise customers affected by this news.

Italy – 26 February 

A spillage has forced one of the terminals at Rotterdam to close, which may continue to affect some departures. Additionally, a crane has broken down at the port of Rotterdam, and Dutch customs are experiencing technical issues. Our team monitors the situation and will advise customers impacted.

Spain and Portugal – 26 February 

Bad weather in the Bay of Biscay is causing vessel delays. Our team is advising affected customers.

Australia and New Zealand – 26 February 

Orders from this region are being re-routed through the Cape of Good Hope, adding 15-20 days to the transit time. Port congestion and operation schedule changes in Australia are causing vessel delays. Our team is advising any customers affected by these issues.

South Africa – 26 February 

Cape Town Port weather is improving, so fewer delays affect the sailing schedules. Our team continue to monitor the situation.

USA – 26 February 

Transit time is currently longer due to the drought in the Panama Canal region. Any customers affected will be informed.

South America – 26 February 

There are some equipment shortages and since the cut-and-run operations were conducted due to the wildfires, bookings have been delayed. Any customers affected will be advised.

Italy – 19 February

There has been a spillage at the Rotterdam terminal, and as a result, one of the terminals has been closed down. This may cause some departures to be affected, including the ones to Italy. Additionally, a crane at Rotterdam Quay has broken down, and there are some technical issues with Dutch customs. These issues, combined with the spillage, have caused delays. As a result, trucks are unable to drop containers at the moment. Our team is closely monitoring the situation and will notify any affected customers.

Spain – 19 February

There are still ongoing farmers’ strikes and potential bad weather in the Bay of Biscay this week. Customers affected will be advised.

Australia and New Zealand – 19 February

Our orders from this region are also being re-routed through the Cape of Good Hope, which unfortunately adds 15-20 days to the transit time. Our team are advising any customers affected by the news.

South Africa – 19 February

Cape Town Port weather is improving, so fewer delays affect the sailing schedules. Our team continue to monitor the situation.

USA – 19 February

Transit time is currently longer due to the drought in the Panama Canal region.

South America – 19 February

We continue to monitor the situation in the Panama Canal and the impact that it might have on orders from South America. The sailing schedule has settled after wildfires in Chile.

Italy – Delays in Rotterdam with a knock-on effect in Italy – 15 February

A crane has broken down at the port of Rotterdam and the Dutch customs system is currently experiencing technical difficulties. This is causing some issues, which may impact the trucks as they cannot drop the containers. This situation may add to the already ongoing congestion caused by a spillage yesterday. We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you updated.

Spain – Spanish hauliers cancelled the strike – 12 February

Spanish transporters have called off the indefinite industrial action, which began last Saturday, in support of agricultural protests. Our team is monitoring the situation.

Italy – 12 February

Congestion caused by the recent strikes continues to cause delays at the Zeebrugge terminals. Our team continue to monitor the situation.

France – 12 February

The Port of Calais is operating on schedule. We are monitoring the farmers’ protests and will update any affected customers.

Spain – 12 February

The port of Bilbao is experiencing vessel delays due to bad weather. Our team is looking into this issue and will advise any affected customers.

Australia and New Zealand – 12 February

Orders from this region are redirected through the Cape of Good Hope, resulting in an additional 15-20 days transit time. Our team is advising any affected customers.

South Africa – 12 February

Cape Town Port has been windbound on and off for the last few weeks, affecting the sailing schedules. Our team continue to monitor the situation and inform customers affected.

USA – 12 February

Transit time is currently longer due to the drought in the Panama Canal region. Any customers affected will be informed.

South America – 12 February

We are closely monitoring the situation in the Panama Canal and its potential impact on orders coming from South America. In addition to the ongoing issue of wildfires in Chile, a recent avalanche at the border caused disruption and prevented trucks from crossing towards the end of last week. Our team will continue to monitor the situation.

Spain – Strike situation and operational impact – 7 February

There are protests in the agricultural sector in Spain that have caused road closures and slow traffic throughout the country. Also, Spanish hauliers are planning to strike beginning on Saturday, 10 February. Our team is closely monitoring the situation and tracking any developments to minimise the impact on operations.

Chile – Possible adjustments in transport itineraries  – 7 February

Transportation by land and sea has experienced disruptions in the V Region of Chile, where major ports like Valparaíso and San Antonio are located. These disruptions are due to wildfires, power outages, and heavy ocean swells that have hindered vessel access to the port. As a result, there may be delays or adjustments to itineraries that could affect cargo operations. Our team will keep you updated.

Spain – Strike announced by Spanish hauliers starting on 10 February – 6 February

Spanish hauliers plan to strike starting on 10 February, and this industrial action could impact loads. Our team will keep you informed as we have updates.

Storm in Rotterdam may affect delivery and collection – 6 February

Heavy storm in Rotterdam may cause disruptions, and the City Terminal might be closed temporarily. This means that from 6 February at 10:00 AM to 7 February at 01:00 AM, the City Terminal may not be available for delivery and collection of units at some point.

End of farmers’ protest actions in Port of Zeebrugge – 5 February

All backlogs in Zeebrugge have been cleared and the terminals are fully operational with all restrictions lifted.

South America – Chile faces shipping disruptions – 5 February

A problem with vessel rolling is affecting shipments in Chile and Argentina. As a result, a vessel has already departed from San Antonio without all of its intended cargo. The affected customers have already been notified. In addition, Chile is currently experiencing wildfires, which have caused over one hundred casualties. Our team will keep you updated.

Italy – 5 February

The Port of Zeebrugge in Belgium still faces roadblocks and protests by the Farmers’ Unions, affecting the planned departure to Italy. It is uncertain when this issue will be resolved. Our teams will continue to provide updates.

France – 5 February

The Port of Calais is running to schedule. The farmer’s protests are being monitored, and any customers affected by this will be updated accordingly.

Australia and New Zealand – 5 February

Orders from this region are being re-routed through the Cape of Good Hope, adding 15-20 days to the transit time. Our team are advising any customers affected by this latest news.

South Africa – 5 February

Cape Town Port has been windbound on and off for the last few weeks, affecting the sailing schedules. Our team will continue to monitor the situation and inform customers affected by this update.

USA – 5 February

Transit time is currently longer due to the drought in the Panama Canal region. The water levels are still proving too low for vessels. Any customers affected will be informed.

South America – 5 February

We continue to monitor the situation in the Panama Canal and the impact that it might have on orders from South America.

Italy – Farmers’ Union protests at Zeebrugge Port cause delays in transports to Italy – 2 February

The Farmers’ Union Protests at the Port of Zeebrugge and road blocks are impacting planned departures at the terminal, which is expected to have a domino effect on Italian deliveries. Our teams are currently looking into the issue.

Belgium – Farmers’ strike continues to disrupt Zeebrugge Port operations – 2 February

The ongoing farmers’ strike is causing disruptions at the Port of Zeebrugge. The port operations are currently blocked, and there are approximately 2,000 trucks parked in and around the area. Once the blockages are removed, it may take considerable time to return to a normal situation.

Belgium – Strike update – 1 February

Following farmer’s strike action, the terminals at Port of Zeebrugge remain closed until further notice. Our team will provide an update once we have additional information.

Customs Declarations – 1 February

The issue has now been fixed. If you need any further information or help, please contact us. HMRC are aware of technical difficulties with an overnight update to exchange rates within the CDS system. HMRC are working urgently to resolve this. Until the fix is implemented, customers can resubmit their declaration using GBP (Great British Pounds).

January 2024

Belgium – Farmers’ protest near Port of Zeebrugge causes departure cancellations – 31 January

Farmers have protested near the Port of Zeebrugge in Belgium since Tuesday, 30 January. The protest has blocked all roads leading to and from the port, resulting in a total blockage for trucks to drop off or pick up units. As a result, multiple departures have been suspended, and extended lead times are to be expected. Initial information indicated that the actions would last until Thursday evening, 1 February, but more recent updates expect the actions to last until this evening, on 31 January. We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates.

France – Farmers’ strike impacting freight movements – 31 January

A blockade by farmers is causing transportation disruptions in various areas of France, particularly in Paris, Lyon and Gennevilliers. The protest commenced yesterday, 30 January, and has extended into Belgium. Our team is closely monitoring the situation.

Italy – 29 January

There were reports of roadblocks and protests by the Farmers’ Unions at the Port of Zeebrugge in Italy. These protests are expected to continue until Thursday, possibly impacting the terminal and planned departures. Our teams are actively investigating the situation to gain more clarity.

Australia and New Zealand – 29 January

Our orders from Australia and New Zealand are being rerouted through the Cape of Good Hope. This additional route is causing a 15-20 day delay in the transit time. Our team is advising any affected customers.

South Africa – 29 January

Cape Town Port has been windbound on and off for the last few weeks, which has affected the sailing schedules. Our team will continue to monitor the situation and inform customers affected by this update.

USA – 29 January

Transit time is currently longer due to the drought in the Panama Canal region. The water levels are still proving too low for vessels. Any customers affected will be informed.

South America – 29 January

We continue to monitor the situation in the Panama Canal and the impact that it might have on orders from South America.

France – Possible delays at Port of Calais – 24 January

Disruption at the Port of Calais has been reported, which may cause delays in operations on January 24 and 25. We are currently monitoring the situation and checking internally. Our team will advise any affected customers.

South Africa – Weather conditions at Cape Town terminals – 23 January

According to the latest forecast, Cape Town terminals will be operating from the early hours of 23 January 2024. Both terminals were closed due to the strong wind conditions.

UK – 22 January

High winds around the UK are continuing, which may lead to vessel delays and future scheduling issues. Our team is monitoring the situation.                         

Italy – 22 January

The latest German train drivers strike that begins tomorrow may have a knock-on effect on orders from Italy. Also, the bad weather in Europe continues to cause delays to train schedules.                                       

France – 22 January

Storm Isha causes a few delays. Our team will contact any customers if their shipments are affected.                                            

Australia and New Zealand – 22 January

We are waiting for updates from our partners regarding the port strikes that have been causing some of the delay issues out of Australia. Our orders from this region are being re-routed through the Cape of Good Hope, adding 15-20 days to the transit time. Our team will advise any customers affected by these circumstances.                   

South Africa – 22 January

Cape Town was windbound during Christmas, and the vessel schedule is trying to recover, but there are current delays.        

USA – 22 January

Transit time is currently longer due to the drought in the Panama Canal region. The water levels are too low for vessels. Any customers affected will be informed.                                                  

South America – 22 January

We continue to monitor the situation in the Panama Canal and the impact that it might have on orders from South America.  

Germany – National rail strike scheduled from 23 to 29 January – 22 January

The German Locomotive Drivers Union (GDL) has announced a multi-day strike. The industrial action is scheduled to begin tomorrow evening, 23 January, at 6:00 pm and continue until Monday, 29 January, at 6:00 pm. This situation may lead to shipment delays. Our team will advise any affected customers.

High winds and weather disruptions expected this weekend – 18 January

This weekend, high winds are expected at sea and water-side ports in the UK, Ireland, Norway and The Netherlands. The windy conditions are projected to start on Saturday afternoon and peak on Sunday, lasting until Monday afternoon. These high winds could cause vessel delays and cancellations. Our team will keep you updated.

Disruptions in European rail network due to adverse weather – 18 January

Severe weather in Germany, with freezing rain and snow, has spread to Belgium and The Netherlands, causing disruptions to the rail network. Our team closely monitors the situation and will advise any customers who may be affected.

Germany and Italy – 15 January

The German driver’s strike ended on 12 January. However, some delays may still be inevitable in the country and have a knockoff effect in Italy as schedules try to recover. Moreover, severe weather in Germany is impacting the rail network. Our team monitors the situation and will advise any customers affected.

Australia and New Zealand – 15 January

We have been informed that intermittent port strikes are causing some delay issues out of Australia. Our orders from this region are also being re-routed through the Cape of Good Hope, adding 15 to 20 days to the transit time. Our team is advising any customers affected by these circumstances.

South Africa – 15 January

Cape Town experienced strong winds over the end of 2023, which caused delays in the vessel schedule. Although there are still delays, the schedule tries to recover.

USA – 15 January

Transit time is currently longer due to the drought in the Panama Canal region. The water levels are too low for vessels.

South America – 15 January

We continue to monitor the situation in the Panama Canal and the impact that it might have on orders from South America.

Australia and New Zealand – 8 January

The orders from this region are re-routed through the Cape of Good Hope, which adds 15-20 days to the transit time. Our team is advising any customers affected.

South Africa – 8 January

Cape Town experienced high winds during Christmas, and the vessel schedule is currently experiencing delays, but efforts are being made to recover from it.

USA – 8 January

Transit time is currently longer due to the drought in the Panama Canal region. The water levels are insufficient for vessels to navigate. Any customers affected will be advised.

South America – 8 January

We continue to monitor the situation in the Panama Canal and the impact that it might have on orders from South America.

Port strikes cause shipment delays in Australia – 8 January

The strikes and work bans at Australian ports that have been ongoing since October have caused delays in port departures. Additionally, there are concerns about hostilities in the Red Sea, further impacting the industry. Our team is monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates.
 

Anticipated disruptions in Germany and potentially in Italy – 8 January

Widespread transport restrictions are expected throughout Germany due to protest actions organised by the German Train Drivers’ Union (GDL), the German Farmers’ Association (DBV) and the Federal Association of Road Haulage, Logistics and Disposal (BGL).

Starting today, Monday, 8 January 2024, and continuing in the coming days, it is likely that operations at ports in Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven, along with nationwide freight traffic, may experience significant disruptions. This disruption could also extend to operations in Italy, creating a domino effect. Our team monitors the situation and takes all necessary measures to minimise the impact on our customers.

German train drivers’ union calls for strike on 8 January – 5 January

A general strike has been called by the German train drivers’ union GDL in Germany starting on 8 January. The duration of the industrial action, which aims to improve working conditions, has not yet been announced, but it is expected to last several days. High strike participation is expected, with a significant impact on the network. In the event of a strike, there may be operational disruptions, including train cancellations and delays in rail traffic, which could affect shipments. At the moment, the strike has not been confirmed. Our team will monitor the situation and provide updates as further information is known.

Stricter restrictions at the Panama Canal as water levels hit record low – 5 January
 

The water levels at the Panama Canal have been affected due to the persistent lack of precipitation. In response, the Panama Canal Authority has implemented more restrictions on the number of ships allowed to pass through the Canal. 

Australia and New Zealand – 4 January

There are currently delays in Australian ports, resulting in vessel delays and a knock-on effect on the shipments to New Zealand. We are working with our agents to determine the reason and will keep you updated. All our shipments to Australia will be re-routed via the Cape of Good Hope, adding to the transit time of 15-20 days. Our team is advising our customers regarding this situation.

Italy – 2 January

We have been notified that certain orders have been delayed due to bad weather. Our team has notified the affected customers and we are in contact with the rail companies to arrange the soonest possible departures.

UK – 2 January

The Port of Liverpool is currently facing weather-related challenges. Our team is keeping a watchful eye on the situation.

Australia and New Zealand – 2 January

We await updates from our agents regarding the situation at the Suez Canal affecting Australia and New Zealand. Affected customers will be informed.

South Africa – 2 January

Cape Town experienced strong winds during the Christmas period, leading to delays in the vessel schedule.

USA – 2 January

Transit time is currently longer due to issues in the Panama Canal. Any customers affected will be informed.

South America – 2 January

South America is not currently affected by the issues in the Panama Canal. We will continue to monitor the situation

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