Our US affiliates have advised that Importers and
exporters predominately moving FCL containers ex Illinois and Michigan areas
can expect up to 30 days delay for containers and delivery shipments due to a
shortage of truck drivers.
The start of the US winter saw many veteran drivers
retiring with no new or younger candidates to replace them. It is believed that
factors such as high fuel and running costs with minimum wages and drivers
often being away from their homes and families for weeks at a time is a part of
the contributing shortage.
As this issue doesn't look to improve any time soon with Michigan
being the worst affected area we can expect to see some inflated inland
haulage costs.
It has been strongly advised by our US partners
that containers or shipments ex Detroit rail-head might
be better off being rerouted via Chicago rail-head,
this will have higher inland haulage charges but there will
be fewer delays.
For any questions or queries regarding the above
please contact your local ICE branch