This monthly update, provided by the British Association of Removers gives a current overview of the global shipping market out of the UK. It provides HR and Global Mobility Managers with a useful and unbiased understanding of the potential challenges, cost implications and risks that may need to be planned for.
**Please note this information applies to all UK international removers and is not unique to Bournes.**
Key UPdates:
- Operational Disruptions – Shipping lines continue to make unplanned service adjustments, including vessel omissions, rerouting, and schedule changes as they chase schedule reliability. These can lead to higher freight costs due to surcharges or extended transit times, which remain outside the mover’s control. Schedule reliability remains a concern, with containers frequently “rolled” to later sailings, adding to congestion and delays at ports.
- ICS2 'Watch List' – The EU’s updated Import Control System 2 (ICS2) now requires extra documentation for any vessel calling at an EU port after leaving the UK. "Household Goods and Personal Effects" have recently been added to the EU’s watch list, targeting improper use of this code by shippers moving cargo that isn’t linked to genuine relocations. As shipping lines navigate these new requirements, incorrect rejections by EU authorities can occur, leading to delays while movers address and resolve the issues.
- Port Congestion – London Gateway and several major transhipment ports in Europe and Asia remain congested, causing ongoing shipment delays.
- A Low Water Surcharge (LWS) continues to apply on certain routes to Canada via the St. Lawrence River due to reduced water levels and limited carrying capacity.
- Transit Time Variability – Transit times remain inconsistent. For example, shipments from Southampton to Sydney can take anywhere between 56 and 89 days, depending on the vessel and service schedule, with potential for further delay if containers are rolled.
- North America – Revised shipping alliances have altered ports of loading and discharge, with most US-bound services now routed via Southampton. The Transatlantic trade lane remains oversubscribed, driving up freight rates and increasing the risk of booking cancellations or shipment rollovers.
- Eastbound Trades – The diversion around the Cape of Good Hope remains in place due to ongoing conflict near the Suez Canal. Middle East services continue to face disruption, with port omissions, full vessels, and void sailings creating shipment backlogs. Congestion at Asian transhipment ports continues to delay shipments to Oceania, with some containers rolled multiple times.
- Other Trade Routes – Services to South, East, and West Africa and Latin America remain broadly stable but limited, with certain inland destinations removed from schedules. Extended clearance times in parts of Latin America may result in storage charges exceeding free time allowances.
- Nationality Restrictions – ONE LINE maintains its restriction on shipments of personal effects belonging to Russian passport holders. Other lines have yet to confirm their policies.
- Li-ION Batteries – The BAR continues to strongly advise against including lithium-ion batteries in shipments. Acceptance rules vary by carrier, and misdeclaration can result in severe penalties (up to USD 30,000) or confiscation of goods.
For the latest guidance in full please click below.
KEY ACTIONS to MINIMISE RISK
The combined impact of the above challenges on relocating employees can be summarised as follows:
- When a moving company provides a quote this is based on services currently offered. If a shipping line later removes that sailing an alternative will need to be re-booked which may have a higher cost or longer transit time.
- Longer lead times and increased notice may be required to secure vessel space.
- Shipping lines may implement surcharges at any time to pass their addiional costs on to the consumer, with short notice.
- Increased likelihood of delays due to containers being rolled or rejected.
- Freight rate volatility still exists but is expected to settle in the coming months.
Recommended Actions for Global Mobility:
- Highlight any known potential issues with your provider up front.
- Plan in advance wherever possible, communicating moving dates early to allow sufficient time for booking vessels.
- Communicate closely with your shipping vendors to stay updated on changes in schedules, routes and capacity for your key lanes.
- Ensure transparency by making sure you or your mover are discussing potential delays with relocating employees to manage expectations.
- Consider updating your policy to address the challenges with Li-ION batteries to prevent complications and additional costs (or at least ensure your mover is communicating this clearly with employees). Discuss with your mover how to handle any exceptions, such as batteries which cannot be removed.
These actions can help minimise risk of additional costs or a poor service experience for your employees.
If you require any further detail or have questions please don't hesitate to contact our Corporate Relocation Team.
