Port congestion leading to increasing equipment imbalance

摘要

CONTAINER equipment is moving outbound from origination ports in Asia at record speeds, but congestion at destination ports is slowing their return voyages, leading to continued shortages. "Once containers reach Asia, they are being redeployed at record speeds," said Container xChange chief executive Johannes Schlingmeier. "However, the mismatch between supply and demand at many origin ports, including in China, means it is hard for US and European importers to always secure boxes unless they have planned ahead, or are working closely with their box supplier, forwarder or container line, to ensure they have both a vessel slot and a container available in advance."