LOFA reported two weeks ago of the congestion that is causing major problems at UK ports, this crisis is now escalating, and the situation is now being highlighted by the BBC who are reporting on the struggle and financial impact this it is having on UK businesses.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54989299
These issues at ports have led to shipping firms quadrupling their freight costs. These delays, which mainly seem to be worse at Felixstowe, are being caused by a surge in import traffic.
The owner of the port, said that if the chaos continues, these increased shipping prices will have to be passed down the supply chain. It seems that containers are being left on the quayside because haulage companies are unable to book slots to enter the site.
Retail outlets will suffer because they will be unable to sell what is en-route at the moment in time for Christmas which will mean there will be a knock-on effect for the outdoor leisure industry after the holidays when garden related products start arriving ready for the S/S Season 2021.
Hutchinson Ports UK who own Felixstowe have said that Covid, the imbalance in UK Trade and Brexit stockpiling have exacerbated the situation and they are working with their customers and stakeholders to try and find a solution for the current situation.
Another problem that is facing the port is empty containers waiting to be shipped back to Asia, these are causing a backlog at ports across Europe and North America, and to add further fuel to the fire shipping companies have sharply increased freight prices in response to the congestion, some by as much as 300%.
It is extremely worrying that big shipping lines are drastically reducing UK volumes because so much of the UKs goods arrive through our ports. Ports across the world are battling to manage these surging demands for imports but it seems that Felixstowe is struggling more than most.