Zencargo Market Update: 4th November

Ocean

• Space is increasingly tight on Ocean Alliance services, with bookings required 3-4 weeks in advance. Other alliances, like 2M and THE Alliance, continue to release space closer to departure​.
• European ports are experiencing significant congestion. Rotterdam reports delays of up to 7 days, while Antwerp and Felixstowe have also been impacted, with delays and high yard density affecting schedules. Last-minute schedule changes and port omissions are common as vessels reroute or drop cargo at nearby ports.

Air

Central China to Europe:

• Shanghai (SHA): The market remains stable with consistent rates. It’s recommended to book at least a week in advance to secure space.
• Ningbo (NGB): Space is tight, and rates continue to rise due to high demand. Early bookings are advisable to avoid issues.

North China to Europe:

• Tianjin (TSN): Demand remains strong, with rates steadily increasing. Shippers are encouraged to book space 5-6 days ahead.
• Dalian/Beijing (DLC/PEK): Rates are trending upward, and airlines are offering spot rates for dense cargo. Booking in advance is crucial due to limited availability.
• Qingdao (TAO): Space remains tight, particularly to major European destinations, and rates continue to climb.

South China to Europe:

• Guangzhou (CAN): Peak season demand has led to tight space availability and weekly rate increases. Early bookings are essential.
• Shenzhen (SZX): The market is strong, with rates increasing across most routes. Deferred service options are available, but advance booking is still recommended.
• Xiamen (XMN): Rates are stable, with space generally available, though it’s best to confirm specific booking details in advance.

Ocean

• Rates have shown mixed trends, with CMA CGM reducing rates across the board while MSC has increased rates on certain trade lanes. Rates to inland destinations like Chicago have also seen reductions.
• Following the post-Golden Week lull, volumes are rebounding, especially from China, where there is a push due to anticipated tariff increases. Some East Coast services are experiencing capacity constraints through November, with certain routes fully booked.
• U.S. West Coast ports report minimal congestion, though the East Coast is experiencing slightly more delays.

Air

Central China to USA:

• Shanghai (SHA): Rates continue to increase despite a quieter market. Shippers should book at least one week in advance to secure space.
• Ningbo (NGB): The market remains strong with stable rates. Space is limited, so advance bookings are recommended.

North China to USA:

• Tianjin (TSN): Rates are on the rise, and space needs to be secured 5-6 days in advance.
• Dalian/Beijing (DLC/PEK): Rates continue to climb, with limited space availability. Spot rates are released as needed, so early bookings are advisable.
• Qingdao (TAO): Space to the USA is particularly tight, especially to East Coast destinations, with rates remaining elevated.

South China to USA:

• Guangzhou (CAN): Peak season demand is pushing rates higher each week. Early bookings are advised to secure space.
• Shenzhen (SZX): The market is robust, with rate increases across routes. Deferred service options exist, though space remains limited.
• Xiamen (XMN): Rates are steady, with deferred service options available. Booking in advance is recommended to avoid potential delays.

Ocean

• Rates from the Indian Subcontinent to Europe have softened slightly as the traditional slow season sets in. While demand has decreased, particularly from India, carriers continue to monitor market conditions closely. Rates remain relatively competitive, especially on routes from South India and Bangladesh​
• Space availability has improved as demand weakens, though capacity constraints remain in certain transshipment hubs like Colombo, where congestion and delays are still reported. In inland locations like Delhi, there is a shortage of 20ft containers, impacting availability at key ports such as Nhava Sheva.
• In Bangladesh, ongoing protests and strikes in the garment sector are creating disruptions, potentially impacting logistics timelines. In India, extended monsoon weather and the recent Diwali holiday have contributed to operational delays, particularly at ports like Mundra, where some vessels are experiencing delays of up to 48 hours due to congestion​.

Ocean

• Rates on the Transatlantic route have stabilised, with carrier utilisation remaining high as the holiday season approaches. Some carriers have considered removing the October Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) following the ILA strike, but overall rate levels remain steady due to high demand
• Capacity has tightened slightly with recent blank sailings, especially on routes from Northern Europe to the U.S. East Coast. High utilisation and reduced capacity have created a balanced supply-demand environment, with demand expected to stay strong through November.
• Certain carriers, including CMA CGM and COSCO, have scaled back operations, reducing their transatlantic tonnage year-over-year. Meanwhile, Hapag-Lloyd has expanded its fleet in this trade, adding more vessels. These adjustments are impacting route availability and could lead to minor schedule changes on certain services.

USA

• Los Angeles/Long Beach: 3 vessels waiting, 12-day rail dwell, 64% yard capacity. Note: Piers 401 & 402 will be closed from October 28th to end of November due to crane repairs.
• Oakland: 5 vessels waiting, 5-day rail dwell.
• Seattle/Tacoma: 5 vessels waiting, 7-day rail dwell.
• New York/New Jersey: 5 vessels waiting, 4-day rail dwell, 70% yard capacity.
• Norfolk: 2 vessels waiting, 4-day rail dwell. Berth space limited due to crane rearrangement; construction ongoing through end of the year.
• Savannah: 9 vessels waiting, 3-day rail dwell.

Benelux

Belgium – Antwerp:

• PSA 913: Yard utilisation at 70-75%, with reefer capacity at similar levels.
• PSA 869: Yard utilisation ranges from 65-80%, with reefer utilisation at 50-55%.
• AGW (Antwerp Gateway): Yard utilisation is at 60-65%, and reefers are at 75-80%. Cargo opening times remain 5 days prior to vessel ETA​(Europe – Hapag-Lloyd 1).

Netherlands – Rotterdam:

• ECT: Yard utilisation is currently 65-70%.
• RWG: Yard utilisation stands at 70-75%

United Kingdom

Road/Rail

• The rollout of electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the UK faces infrastructure challenges due to a shortage of suitable sites for public charging facilities. Planning issues and grid capacity constraints have delayed development at key locations. Additionally, limited parking for HGVs complicates the installation of necessary charging stations.

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.

November 4: Russia

November 7: Belarus, Transdniestria (PMR)

November 8: Belarus

November 9: Spain*

November 11: Austria*, Belgium, France, Poland, Serbia

November 13: Montenegro

November 15: Austria*, Belgium*, North Cyprus, Saint Helena

November 17: Czech Republic, Slovakia

November 18: Croatia, Latvia

November 20: Germany*

November 30: Romania

December 1: Portugal, Romania

December 3: Spain*

December 6: Finland, Spain

December 8: Austria, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain

December 9: Spain*

December 13: Malta

December 23: Estonia*, Latvia

December 24: Austria*, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark*, Estonia, Finland*, Germany*, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg*, Portugal*, Slovakia, Sweden*

December 25: 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

December 26: Austria, Belgium*, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France*, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland (Eire), Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta*, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain*, Sweden

December 27: Hungary, Ireland (Eire), Romania

December 30: Latvia

December 31: Denmark*, Estonia*, Germany*, Latvia, Sweden*

*Not in all regions