Oceania – Congestion Surcharges for Auckland NZ to / from the USA

The New Zealand container supply chain has been severely impacted by port disruptions and vessel delays at both the Sydney and Melbourne ports.  Vessel delays in Sydney are still averaging 15-18 days and the situation, while slowly improving, is going to take time.   The disruptions have not only affected the carrier schedules for exports of loaded containers, but also have restricted the supply and repositioning of flexi grade, reefer and standard container units into New Zealand. 

The current situation combined with the peak season volume demand has resulted in serious delays for imports at Auckland (inbound cargo and empty equipment for positioning) and for exports from Tauranga, and to a lesser degree Napier, Wellington, Nelson and Lyttleton; which mainly feed into the main US departure and arrival ports of Auckland and Tauranga.

Due to the resulting congestion, ocean carriers have announced congestion surcharges on Sydney routed cargo to/from all trades.  Beginning in December CMA-CGM, Hamburg Sud, Maersk, MSC) will apply a congestion surcharge for import / export cargo Auckland to / from USA at $200-300 per twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU).  It does not impact cargo loading / discharging at Tauranga. 

Given the congestion and delays, the Auckland congestion surcharge is expected to continue through the end of the year.    

How can we help you?

Our shipping partner Hillebrand is available to help you discuss how current conditions are affecting your orders and what options to consider for your international and domestic supply chain needs.  Please contact your representative for more information or contact import customer service at +1 732 388 0101.