A return to normal operations in container logistics is not in sight, yet, according to Mathew Sarfity, Global Seafreight Director at Bremen-headquarted forwarding group Röhlig Logistics.[ds_preview] Based in Chicago, Illinois, Sarfity expects continued port and intermodal congestion despite more flexible working hours in ports such as Los Angeles. Better planning, use of alternative equipment and routeing are key to rein in cargo delays, he says.
Port congestion, delays, chassis and driver shortages… When will the bottlenecks for container logistics in the US finally unwind?
Sarfity: Bottlenecks at US ports/terminals and rail hubs will continue for the foreseeable future. Los Angeles port has just transitioned to a 24/7 work environment, matching their sister port of Long Beach, while a positive announcement is not expected to have much immediate impact due to the ongoing shortages of workers, drivers, and equipment. Delays continue to increase at other US ports so there is some thought that conditions may worsen before we see any significant improvement.
What are forwarders like Röhlig doing to accelerate door-to-door shipments? Are there new solutions?
Sarfity: At Röhlig we have strengthened our »Allocation Management Process« over the past year. This process is designed to provide us with advance notice of our clients’ demand, hold our carrier partners accountable to maintain their weekly space commitments and develop solutions for customers that are shipping in excess of committed volumes. Additionally, sharing frequent updates with customers and working on »creative« solutions that can include different equipment types, alternate ports, and transloading into domestic equipment to speed up delivery times. We have also had success in securing additional carrier allocation which we have used to improve satisfaction levels from existing clients.
US imports are once again the key demand driver for container shipping. What are your expectations for 2022 and beyond based on client feedback?
Sarfity: Röhlig has been and continues to be in growth mode and we anticipate double-digit growth in 2022 despite the ongoing capacity restrictions. While we expect consumer demand to lessen in the coming months, we anticipate fairly strong demand from other industry verticals as there is a push to restore inventory and create »buffer« stock due to the increased lead time which will last most of next year. (mph)
