NOTE: Article originally written for clients 18/03/19
If you've not heard, the situation for goods bound to and from Europe is reaching boiling point. Carriers are now actively avoiding the UK wherever possible and this is compounding existing issues with capacity. WHAT IS CAUSING THESE PROBLEMS? * Carriers Brexit nervousness and fear of being marooned in the UK * French customs work-to-rule at the ports (week 3) * Ferry catch up from the storms * Mass stockpiling Whilst the storm has passed the customs delays continue. The congestion mounting both sides of the border is driving normal UK bound carriers away culminating in huge capacity issues as cargo grinds to a halt. Furthermore, routes aside from Calais are having similar problems as many carriers try to route through this avenues. ** WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS TO MOVE MY CARGO ------------------------------------------------------------ A consequence of the delays and current reservations about coming to the UK, prices are rising fast. However, even higher prices are not guaranteeing shipment. Some of the options in front of us are as follows :- * Temporary freight rate increase This will enable a better chance of moving your goods. USE: If your goods are urgent * Delay shipment whilst things 'settle down' This is a risky strategy as we do not know if/when things will settle down. Any new Brexit announcements may make the situation worse. We feel this option risks possibly higher prices as prices are still escalating. USE: If you're goods are not required for the next month. * Transship cargo We are currently using mainland Europe hauliers to take cargo to the port where we transship to un-accompanied routes. This does have delays and an extra cost but is not as significant as a straight freight route. USE: If your goods can be transshipped and are required in a reasonable time frame SUMMARY We are working closely with customers and carriers to develop new strategies to keep cargo and trailers moving. With the Brexit deadline looming we expect the crisis to peak and then we are into no-mans land. Rest assured we are working on solutions and are communicating heavily with all involved so please do call us to discuss the options available as the situation remains fluid. Yours, The Jordon Team Please keep check of our Twitter bulletins for regular updates on the situation UPDATE 20/03/19: TRANSSHIPMENT OF CARGO IS NOW OFF THE TABLE AS WAREHOUSES FULL. CAPACITY FOR UK IS LIMITED AND DWINDLING AS PRICES SURGE BEYOND WHAT WE HAVE SEEN BEFORE. MACRON RUMOURED TO DECLINE ART 50 EXTENSION FUELING HAULIER FEARS OF HARD BREXIT. FRENCH CUSTOMS CONTINUE STRIKES.