The ongoing issues with driver shortages are further impacting collections and deliveries throughout the UK. The high demand and low availability is resulting in booking lead times of two weeks or more.
However, by booking ahead, importers are committed to the time and face cancellation charges should they need to change the slot.
Combined with unreliable schedules, that result in regular amendments to arrival times, it is becoming increasingly difficult to forward plan deliveries and avoid rent and demurrage charges.
Additionally, due to staff shortages and home working, carriers are taking up to 24 hours to release containers to hauliers, which at times means the slot can be missed.
UK importers are not alone in facing this issue. We are experiencing two week booking lead times in the United States right now, as their driver shortage continues to disrupt container transport.
Over the past couple of years, there have also been reports of driver shortages impacting logistics in China, India, Europe and Brazil, amongst others, which clearly indicates we are in the midst of a global driver shortage.
The Westbound team are continuing to work with customers to find the best solution on a case-by-case basis, if you would like further information on the above, then please do not hesitate to contact us.
At Westbound Logistics we pride ourselves in offering personalised and tailored logistics solutions. To find out more please call 01375 800800 or email info@westboundglobal.com.
