Following on from our notice about Peak Season in Fremantle last week, The Daily Cargo News has published an article advising “IMPORTERS of containerised goods through Fremantle are urged to order early to reduce the risk of congestion, delivery delays and extra costs in the lead-up to Christmas.”
CBFCA regional manager WA, John Park, said container trade at Fremantle was more buoyant than in recent years and importers needed to start planning.
“Last financial year was a record year for Fremantle with a container throughput of almost 770,000 TEU, breaking through the three quarters of a million mark for the first time,” Mr Park said.
“This year, the container throughput for June, traditionally not the busiest month, was 63,819 TEU, almost as high as the busiest month of 2016.”
Mr Park said importers should take note of container trends.
“The last time we had sustained pressure on the supply chain was 2014-15 and we are seeing the same sort of pattern developing with container throughput growing,” he said.
“Shipping lines are also seeing the uplift, with rates much firmer than they have been for many years.”
Mr Park said there had been improvement in the supply chain efficiency in recent years with more stack runs at night, two new major empty container parks and by importers ordering early for peak season.
“However, supply chain pressures did arise in November and December last year as some importers were complacent and hadn’t planned ahead,” he said.
“I urge importers to think about their peak season ordering now and avoid pressures later in the year. Don’t take your foot off the pedal.”
Article courtesy of The Daily Cargo News – August 23rd 2018