congestion ahead

Ningbo shippers divert as exports are hit by Covid-restricted trucking

Forwarders are shifting volumes to congested-Shanghai to avoid landside delays, despite carrier schedules so far unaffected by the newest Covid-disruption at Ningbo.
Ningbo-Zhoushan Port has repeatedly fallen victim to China’s tough Covid restrictions over the past six months, with the latest lockdown taking place in Ningbo’s Beilun district, which borders three of the port’s container terminals.
Container loading and discharge is operating normally, but the impact on trucking and access to the...

https://theloadstar.com/ningbo-shippers-divert-as-exports-are-hit-by-covid-restricted-trucking/

‘Shape-shifting’ in 2021 sees M&A – and a need for forwarders to invest

“Shape-shifting” is how Sarah Banks, global freight and logistics lead at Accenture, describes 2021.
There have, of course, been many changes, but perhaps the one with the longest-term effect is the massive growth in M&A, spurred on by vast profits, particularly for shipping lines.
And the M&A news just keeps on coming, as any end-of-year-fatigued freight journalist will tell you.
This week alone: MSC made a €5.7bn bid for Bolloré Africa Logistics; Maersk …

The post ‘Shape-shifting’ in 2021 sees...

https://theloadstar.com/shape-shifting-in-2021-sees-ma-and-a-need-for-forwarders-to-invest/

France reopens UK border to truckers with negative Covid test

France has agreed to reopen its borders, with air, rail, and sea operations resuming this morning. Under the agreement between governments on both sides of the Channel, anyone entering France from the UK will be required to provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken within the preceding 72 hours. As the deal was announced, the number of lorries waiting to cross the border had reached 4,000, with mounting concerns …

The post France reopens UK border to truckers with negative Covid test...

https://theloadstar.com/france-reopens-uk-border-to-truckers-with-negative-covid-test/

Tariff uncertainty leaves a nasty taste in the mouth of UK food and drink sector

Tariff uncertainties tied to the continuing and frustrating EU-UK negotiations are forcing food and drink industry players to gamble on their post-Brexit operations.
Ian Wright, CEO of the Food & Drink Federation, told the UK’s Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee today that with 14 working days until the end of the transition period, the uncertainty was forcing his members into “a binary choice”.
He said: “The problem with the tariff uncertainty is …

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https://theloadstar.com/tariff-uncertainty-leaves-a-nasty-taste-in-the-mouth-of-food-and-drink-sector/

Bangladeshi apparel makers demand withdrawal of congestion surcharges

Shippers around the world are fed up with carrier costs – the latest group to complain to their government is in Bangladesh.
Garment makers have demanded government take immediate steps to withdraw the emergency cost recovery surcharge (ECRS) carriers have slapped on because of congestion at ports.
In a letter to the shipping ministry, Chittagong Port Authority and Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association (BSAA), the manufacturers say the apparel sector and other industries …

The post Bangladeshi...

https://theloadstar.com/bangladeshi-apparel-makers-demand-withdrawal-of-congestion-surcharges/

UK government unveils plans for more post-Brexit border control posts

The UK government is exploring plans to expand the number of inland border control posts (BCPs) to handle any overflow customs checks in the post-Brexit environment.
With the UK’s final departure from the EU set for 1 January, an updated border operating model confirms that a further five inland sites are being studied as potential BCPs.
Facilities at Thames Gateway, Birmingham, Holyhead, Fishguard/Pembroke and Dover would increase the number of BCPs to …

The post UK government unveils plans for...

https://theloadstar.com/uk-government-unveils-plans-for-more-post-brexit-border-control-posts/