LIFTED LOCKDOWNS LIKELY TO CAUSE FREIGHT WHIPLASH

SUMMER PEAK SEASON GRIDLOCK MAY BE MORE CHALLENGING THAN LAST YEAR

Summer peak season is approaching, along with a deluge of built-up containers that have been patiently awaiting release from locked down Chinese ports. Recent reports cite that while restrictions are easing and China’s busiest ports, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, are reopening, none are operating at full capacity.

When ports resume normal operations and get back up to full speed, hundreds of thousands of containers will be released into an already stressed global supply chain. The release of pent-up cargo will require an additional twenty to forty fully loaded containerships to cycle through typical shipping rotations – causing a freight whiplash that could cause a sting worse than last year’s challenged busy season.

The widespread congestion at US ports has improved. Still, the industry is expecting a substantial surge at the same time as peak season orders, which could create traffic and backlogs worse than just a year ago.

Shippers may face increasing delays during the critical holiday ordering period, so don’t let your freight wait. Preparation and planning are essential. Avoid the whiplash. Contact Whisk today!