Reefer Equipment from Northern Europe, Northern California Wildfires and more shipping alerts
As we share what’s happening in the global shipping industry, we want to remind you we’re here to help you navigate through the constantly changing environment with short and longer-term transport solutions. We appreciate your continued support during these challenging times.
Reefer Equipment from North Europe – as mentioned in our September 11th update, volume capacity on this trade has been tight since July and current blank sailings (cancelled sailings) will continue through the end of the year. As this is peak season for holiday shipping, as well as fruit season in the southern hemisphere which impacts overall container flows, demand for reefer equipment has outpaced existing supply.
Recommendations:
With a much longer lead time for reefer equipment bookings, especially to the West Coast Hillebrand is urging customers to:
- Consider shipping dry with Hillebrand insulation for the seafreight leg. For inland destinations to door, cross-docking options into heated trucks is a viable option through our Winter Wine Program.
- Move the most temperature-sensitive product via Hillebrand groupage service (temperature controlled). Schedules online here
- If you cannot adjust lead times to three weeks out, clearly indicate which orders are rush so we can prioritize those bookings.
California Wildfires – A state of emergency has been declared for Napa and Sonoma counties due to the Glass fires in the region as well as a new wildfire in Shasta county. Mandatory evacuations are in place for the town of Calistoga. View an interactive map of the affected area here. We are thankful to report that Hillebrand staff are all safe and accounted for, but we are saddened to hear of the loss to wineries and businesses in the area, just three years after the previous devastating fires in wine country. For any questions please connect with your Hillebrand representative or the local office.
CMA-CGM Cyberattack Update – the ocean carrier is currently dealing with a cyberattack as notified yesterday; ecommerce sites have been shutdown as a precautionary measure, but communications to/from the carrier, including interfaces, are open and maritime and port activities are fully operational. The impact is primarily to new bookings after Sunday September 27, 2020 and new procedures for bookings are in place in the interim.
Los Angeles / Long Beach Chassis shortage – import volume surges since July have resulted in challenges securing chassis equipment for trucking partners that do not supply their own. The lack of available chassis units once truckers secure the terminal pickup appointment has run into scenarios where free time limits are exceeded and additional demurrage charges apply.
Winter Cargo Care for US Transport in Truck Trailers and Rail
As we move into the cooler seasons, moving domestic cargo over land in the USA will require additional temperature protection. Cargo protection options for US trailer and rail equipment differ from international seafreight container units. For domestic moves Hillebrand offers temperature controlled equipment for LTL (less than truckload), intermodal and over-the-road shipping. Temperature-controlled warehousing and storage are also options for both short and long-term needs.
When severe weather conditions and/or cold temperatures are expected at any point along the route from pickup to delivery in US, Hillebrand advises all customers to ship in temperature controlled (heated) equipment for guaranteed protection against freezing.
Due to limited reefer capacity from Europe, or for any origin, consider the alternative to ship the seafreight leg in dry containers fitted with Hillebrand insulation, and then cross-dock cargo into temperature-controlled (heated) trailers for the inland US leg to door. Contact your Hillebrand representative for more details on this transport solution.
FDA Foreign Supplier Registration Renewal Period (October – December 2020)
It’s time to plan ahead for foreign supplier registration renewal with the FDA. Every two years, between October 1st and December 31st, the renewal registration process must be completed. This year the 9 digit DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) is required, here is the website to look it up https://fdadunslookup.com/ or to register one here https://fdadunslookup.com/FDA%20DUNS%20Portal%20User%20Guide.pdf
Where Hillebrand is the nominated FDA agent, we will contact suppliers and complete the renewal. For any new suppliers or questions, please send your inquiries to fdausr@hillebrand.com.
Should you have any questions or need more information please contact your Hillebrand representative. You can also manage pending shipments, pickups, invoices, set up alerts and more on myHillebrand.