Asia-Europe container freight rates bounce by 151% - time for a reality check!

Well, it had to happen, as rates on the Asia-Europe trade had been weakening ever since Chinese New Year, and container lines had been trying (in vain) to implement increases however the timing was poor as the market is traditionally soft between Chinese New Year and the beginning of the next year's Peak Season (say August onwards).

Anyway, rates bounced back in a big way last Friday, climbing USD 518 per TEU (Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit) and so now would be a good time to actually check what you are paying for your ocean freight from Asia....!

Our customers sit within our portfolio so we've already made agreements for the month of May and they can rest easy.

http://www.lloydsloadinglist.com/freight-directory/news/Relief-at-last-for-Asia-north-Europe-carriers/62742.htm?utm_source=Lloyd%27s+Loading+List+Daily+News+Bulletin&utm_campaign=69d4d71dae-Wed_30_July7_30_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1a5c244239-69d4d71dae-256747097

Kind Regards


Andy Cliff 

UK haulage crisis deepens with importers and exporters expected to bear the brunt of cost hikes

Good afternoon All

Regular importers and exporters may already be aware of this issue but a perfect storm has been brewing over the past few years (recession - high fuel costs - low margins - low wages - driver training requirements) which is causing a real issue - containers can't be delivered without the human element!

This is meaning that freight forwarders are now imposing some pretty large increases (15-20%) to ensure that they ensure that they can maintain service levels and avoid making a loss on UK pick up or delivery costs.

Most Asia-UK ocean freight arrives into either Felixstowe or Southampton and container deliveries are already expensive, compared to average ocean freight port-port costs. We're being told that forwarders are imposing increases of between £ 100 and £ 150 per 20/40 from say FXT to Manchester. Time to take control of your costs and ensure your service works - at a fair price. Need help, just drop me a line!

Link to article on UK driver crisis

Kind Regards

Andy Cliff
Director

Straightforward Consultancy Ltd
4, Beckett Drive
Winwick Park
Warrington
Cheshire
WA2 8XJ

Tel : 07934 443492
Email : andy@straightforwardconsultancy.co.uk
Web : www.straightforwardconsultancy.co.uk
Blog : http://straightforwardconsultancy.blogspot.co.uk/
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Skype: andy.cliff1@skype.com