Shipping Update – April 2023

USA Good Friday Holiday Friday April 7, 2023

Be advised that Friday April 7, 2023 is a ILA Longshoremen Work holiday.  Most East Coast and Gulf port terminals will observe the holiday and close operations for Friday (in some cases Saturday as well) or operate under holiday service schedules. 

USA West Coast ports are scheduled to be operational as the ILWU observes Cesar Chavez Holiday (March 31, 2023). 

France – Strike action continues week of April 3, 2023

Port workers at both Le Havre and Fos-sur-Mer will be on strike this week as follows:
24 hours strike on Thursday April 6th
4 hours strike per day for all other working days 

Given the massive disruption the continued strikes have had on scheduled shipments, customers should consider the limitations of movements this causes and associated charges from delays or diversions. 

Below we have outlined shipment options to review based on the sensitivity and urgency of your pending orders from France.  

Option 1: Shipment from another European port
Diverting orders to other ports outside of France will incur an extra transport costs and transit times will vary depending on shipping service schedules.  We have prepared additional FOB/FCA pricing options; please inquire with your sales contact. 

Option 2: Postpone non-urgent shipments
For non-urgent orders that are not picked up, you have the option to postpone scheduled shipments, bearing in mind that there will be residual delays and congestion when terminals reopen. 

Option 3: No change to scheduled shipments
If you take no action, be advised that shipments will be delayed and there will be additional charges indirectly associated with the strikes – detention, demurrage, storage and security charges, etc.  These charges will be applicable to the buyer or seller according to the shipment incoterm rules.  

USA TTB Releases CBMA Importer Claims Portal 

The US TTB has announced the release of the USA Importer Claims system available in myTTB as of today.  They have provided a user guide and updated links in today’s TTB bulletin. 

We are reviewing the latest information and procedures, please contact your representative if you have questions on CBMA filing through Hillebrand Gori. 

DHL Releases April Ocean Freight Market Report

Take a deeper dive into market conditions and trade lane capacity in the latest ocean freight market update from DHL here.