Zencargo Market Update: 28th December 2023

China

Air

Central China to USA and Europe 

• From SHA to Europe and the US, the market is quiet at the moment due to the holidays. 
  • Rates may increase slightly over the weekend. 
• From NGB to Europe and the USA, the market is stable and rates have decreased. 
  • We suggest booking space 4-5 days prior to the cargo ready date.

North China to USA and Europe:

• From TSN to Europe and the US, rates have decreased for Korean Airlines to both destinations.
  • Asiana Airlines rates depend on a case-by-case basis but there is space available. 
• From PEK to Europe and the US, rates have  decreased on most major airlines compared to last week.
  • Major services from PEK to Europe include: Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, Air China, KLM, Air France, Japan Airlines.
    • It is advised to book space 3-4 days ahead of the cargo ready date. 
  • Major services from PEK to the US include: Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways and Eva Air. 
    • It is advised to book space 5-6 days ahead of the cargo ready date. 
• From TAO to Europe and the US, there is more space available and rates have decreased this week. 
  • From TAO to the US, ETD is 3-5 days after booking. 
  • Spot rates are available for dense cargo.

South China to USA and Europe:

• From CAN to Europe and the USA, there have been no major updates in terms of space. 
  • All shipments will need to be checked with the carrier for rates on a case-by-case basis.
• From SZX to Europe and the US, the market is less busy this week due to the holidays. 
  • All shipments will need to be checked with the carrier for rates on a case-by-case basis.
• From XMN to Europe and the US, demand has eased.  
  • Space continues to be limited. 
  • Final rates depend on a case-by-case basis.

USA

Ocean

• The Port of New Orleans has secured a $74 million grant from a 2021 Infrastructure Act for improving America’s ports, waterways, railways and roads. 
  • The current terminal has physical limitations in terms of depth and overhead clearance which restricts its ability to handle modern, bigger ships.
  • The grant will be used for planning the development of a new container terminal in St. Bernard Parish and will help facilitate a $1.8 billion terminal project to help the port compete with Houston and Mobile.

Benelux

Ocean

• Here are the latest port updates from Hapag Lloyd: 
  • Antwerp, Belgium.
    • PSA 913: Yard utilisation is at 75% -80%. Reefers are at 55% – 60% and empties at 20% – 25%.
    • PSA 869: Yard utilisation is currently at 80% – 85%. Reefers are at 35% – 40% and empties remain stable at 35% – 40% utilisation. 
    • AGW: At Antwerp Gateways yard utilisation is at 60% – 65%. Reefer plugs are at 60% – 65% and empties are currently at 30% – 35%.  The terminal has received 3 additional gantries which are fully operational.
    • Closing times include:
      • New Year’s closing dates: 31/12 13:30 – 01/01 14:00 (voluntary work)
      • New Year’s closing: 31/12 15:30 – 01/01 14:00
  • Rotterdam, Netherlands
    • ECT: Yard utilisation is at 60% – 65%. There are sufficient reefer plugs for the current demand and empties are under control.
    • RWG: Yard utilisation is currently at 60% – 65%. Reefer plug utilisation is at 50% – 55% and the berth is almost fully utilised by back-to-back vessel calls. There have been operational challenges  at the beginning of the week due to strong winds however, there has been no backlog. 
    • Closing times include:
      • ECT: New Year’s closing dates: 31/12 15:15 – 01/01 15:15.
      • RWG: New Year’s closing dates: 31/12 15:00 – 01/01 15:00.

UK

Road

• UK haulage rates in November increased but remained below November rates from the past two years. 
  • According to TEG Road Transport, the average haulage and courier vehicle price per mile index over last month increased  from 120.5 to 122.2 in the UK. 
  • This may be down due to a significant jump in courier prices, however, haulage prices have also risen. 
  • Compared to last year, the overall price of road haulage has dropped 1.4 points from 123.6 in November 2022 to 122.2 in November 2023. 

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.

December 31 – Latvia, Sweden*

January 1 – Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland (Eire), Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

Jan 2 – Romania, Slovenia

Jan 6 – Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, Germany*, Greece, Italy, Poland, romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden

Jan 7 – Romania

Jan 24 – Romania

Feb 5 – Ireland (Eire)

Feb 8 – Slovenia

Feb 10 – Malta

Feb 12 – Luxembourg*

Feb 13 – Portugal*, Spain*

Feb 16 – Lithuania 

Feb 24 – Estonia

Feb 28 – Spain*

*Not in all regions