Zencargo Market Update: 27th March

China

Ocean

• Russia and China are working together to develop a bridge between the two countries.
  • The bridge will mean that rail operators can save 2,000km on some routes.
  • The project will link Mohe, China’s northernmost city with the town of Dzhalinda, on Russia’s north-east border. 
  • According to a representative of the Republic of Sakha, Russia, ‘the bridge will increase the capacity to export goods to up to 10m tonnes a year’. 

Air

Central China to USA and Europe 

• Due to a runway repair at PVG Airport, flights have been reduced. 
  • Available space this week has been reduced from SHA to Europe and the US so please book cargo in advance. 
  • From NGB to Europe and the US, rates have increased this week. 

North China to USA and Europe 

• From TSN to Europe and the US,  rates are still fluctuating, much like last week. 
  • Space is limited so please book 4-5 days in advance from TSN to Europe. 
    • The main services on this lane include Air China, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines. 
    • Korean Air and Asiana Airlines can provide freight flights that can offer an earlier estimated time of departure and arrival. 
  • Space is also limited from TSN to the US. For better rates, please book 6-7 days in advance. 
    • Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways and Cathay Pacific are the main services on this lane. 
    • Korean Air and Asiana Airlines can provide freight flights that can offer an earlier estimated time of departure and arrival. 
• From PEK to Europe, space is still tight this week. For better rates, please book for 4-5 days in advance. 
  • Special rates can be applied to heavy dense cargo. Please check on a case-by-case basis. 
• From PEK to the US, capacity is limited. For better rates please book 6-7 days ahead in advance. 
  • Service is restricted and some carriers have taken on less volume. Some carriers have even cancelled or rescheduled their flights. 
  • Estimated flight schedule can not be confirmed as a result. 

South China to USA and Europe 

• From  CAN to Europe and the USA space is good, but after Wednesday space availability may tighten forcing rates higher. 
• From SZX to Europe space is quite tight and rates will need to be checked with carriers on a case-by-case basis. 
  • Rates have increased from SZX to the US. 
• Rates have increased from XMN to Europe and space is tight this week.
  • But rates are stable to LHR. 
• Final rates from XMN to the US depend on a case-by- case basis so please check with your carrier. 

USA

Ocean

• Here are the latest vessel waiting times at US ports:
  • In New York, there is a 1 day waiting time. 
  • Most vessels are expected to berth on arrival or within half a day in Norfolk. Vessels may experience a 1 to 1.5 day delay for berthing. 
  • Waiting times are between half a day to 1 day at Charleston. 
  • Vessels are waiting for up to 2 days at the ports of Savannah and Oakland.
• The Port of Los Angeles dwell times for local import cargo is 3 days
  • On-dock rail dwell is 3.4 days and the time it takes to deliver to final warehouse is averaging at 8.5 days.
• Dwell times at the Port of Long Beach is stable with the average terminal turn time ranging between 30-66 minutes.

Benelux

Ocean

• An update from Hapag-Lloyd on the ports in Europe include:
  • At the PSA terminal at Antwerp, yard utilisation at 913 is between 60-65%. 
    • At 869, the yard is at an operational level of 60-65%.
      • Due to pier works at 869, the berth capacity has been reduced by 400 metres.
    • The empty storage area on both terminals is between 45-60%. 
    • Labour availability is at a sufficient level. 
  • At the AGW terminal, yard level is at 55-65%. Reefer plug capacity is between 40-55% and empty storage is at 80-85%. 
    • The terminal is operating well with sufficient labour availability. 
    • Two new gantry cranes are expected to arrive at the terminal which may improve operations. 
  • At the ECT terminals in Rotterdam, yard utilisation is at 60-65% and reefer plug utilisation is at 70-75%. 
    • Labour is at a good level, sometimes at an excess. 
    • At the RWG terminal, yard levels are averaging between 65 – 70% and reefer plug utilisation is between 50-55%.  
    • Import dwell times are at a good level and terminal operations are running smoothly. 

UK

Ocean

• The UK and Welsh government have announced that they will be working together to deliver two freeports. 
  • The Celtic Freeport and Anglesey Freeport are expected to be operational later this year.
  • Freeports are special areas within the UK’s borders where different economic regulations apply.
    • They aim to create economic activity such as trade, investment and jobs near shipping ports or airports. 
    • Goods that are imported into freeports are exempt from tariffs.
  • The UK is allocating £26m of government funding to each freeport which will help level up opportunities in Wales and create new, high-skilled jobs. 

Road

• Transport for London (TFL) are looking to make changes to the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) scheme from October 2024.
  • The DVS scheme requires operators of lorries over 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight to obtain a safety permit before entering and operating in Greater London. 
    • Failing to comply with his regulation means that operators will receive a penalty charge notice. 
  • TFL is consulting on fundamental changes they propose to make including:
    • The requirements of the HGV Safety Permit Scheme will increase from one star to three stars.
    • A ‘Progressive Safe System’ has been proposed which looks at developments in technology and equipment as well as reviewing the current ‘Safe System’.
  • TFL have invited the public to have their say on their proposed plans here. 

European Bank Holidays

We anticipate a shortage of availability and the occurrence of delays around the bank holiday periods. Plan ahead and allow extra time for your products to be delivered.

March 31 – Malta 

April 1 – Cyprus

April 6 – Denmark, Portugal*, Spain

April 7 – Austria*, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France*, Germany, Hungary, Ireland (Eire)*, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands*, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden. 

April 8 – Sweden*

April 9 – Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Fermand*, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden

April 10 – Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland (Eire)*, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta*, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain*, Sweden. 

April 14 – Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Romania

April 15 – Bulgaria, Cyprus*

April 16 – Bulgaria, Cyprus*, Greece, Romania

April 17 – Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Romania

April 18 – Cyprus*

April 21 – Spain*

April 22 – Spain*

April 24 – Spain*

April 25 – Italy, Portugal

April 27 – Netherlands, Slovenia

*Not in all regions