According to the latest data, the ports of Yantian, Shekou and Nansha have been hit worst by the box shortages. Unfortunately, fewer empty boxes are arriving back to southern China as container lines skip calls at severely congested ports, and many shippers will face long delays or higher prices for equipment if they can’t avoid using the affected ports.
Many carriers are blanking sailings in order to preserve schedule reliability, but the port omissions mean urgently required empty equipment onboard the diverted ships will not be discharged to replenish dwindling stocks at depots. See Mallory Alexander’s updated equipment shortages at Chinese ports here.
Mallory Alexander is continuing to monitor this ongoing situation and provide updates to clients with affected freight.