Port congestion in Europe has significantly impacted the logistics industry over the last couple of years. The experts predict that this will impact the industry for the majority of 2023. Many vehicle shipping companies are affected by the waiting times, costs, and delays in vehicles delivery – which also affects the customers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The increased competition for port space has been one of the biggest challenges for any logistics company this year. The waiting time for cargo ships to be loaded and unloaded has increased dramatically, which means that many shipping companies are struggling to secure a cargo space to transport their vehicles. The result is also increased shipping times for customers and in some cases increased costs.

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic had a massive impact on vehicle shipping companies and the logistics industry overall. Reduced capacity at ports, social distancing, increased health and safety protocols makes the transport of goods much more complicated than it was before the pandemic. Even in 2023 the COVID-19 pandemic is having a big impact on the automotive industry; customers are experiencing delays and disruptions in delivery of their vehicles.

However, in 2023 the pandemic isn’t the only reason for Europe’s port congestions. The war in Ukraine, potential of increased regulations and tariffs on trade in the European Union are also concerning for the shipping industry. All the new measures put in place will likely further impact the time and cost of shipping vehicles through European ports.

 

Europe’s port congestions affect the vehicle shipping industry worldwide. Since the port congestion started companies are exploring alternative shipping routes and the whole industry is working to improve the shipping efficiency and increase the capacity at ports. The positive news is that vehicle shipping is a complex process involving many people and organisations, and many people are working to make the ports function better and make the vehicle shipping a smoother process.

The industry is greatly affected by the current and expected congestions, the rising costs and longer waiting times. At Trans Global Logistics we believe in full transparency and keeping our customers informed of anything that could impact the shipping times of their vehicles. We believe that with proper collaboration and further measures in place the situation will be improved and the vehicles can be shipped to its new destination in a timely manner and reasonable cost.

What You Need to Know When Shipping Your Car

At Trans Global Auto Logistics, shipping cars overseas is our bread and butter. So, whether you’re relocating outside the United States for work or need military shipping for active-duty assignments, we can walk you through the steps of shipping your car (or truck) to your destination.

Get familiar with the terms of overseas shipping for cars and trucks

One term many clients inquire about is “self-propelled vehicle.” This term appears on many documents and forms that need to be completed. This classification includes cars and trucks, buses and motorcycles, motorhomes (RVs), and specific agriculture and construction equipment designed to operate on the ground. If you are looking to ship heavy equipment or a vehicle that may not fall into this category, please contact us for more information.

Preparing the paperwork to ship a car overseas

Before starting the process of shipping your car, it’s important to become familiar with the US laws and regulations and those of the country you are shipping to. For example, some countries forbid importing older vehicles (with exceptions for antiques or collectible classic cars). It’s also important to understand the taxes and tariffs you will be charged. In some instances, purchasing a vehicle at your destination may be more affordable.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulates everything to ensure requirements are met, and fees are paid. Hiring an international mover can help ease the paperwork as they will often provide the necessary clearance documents.

Readying your car for shipping

Once your paperwork is in order, it’s time to prepare your vehicle for shipping.

Photo of a large overseas shipping port filled with containers.

Active-duty military? Extra details to know about shipping a car overseas

For US active-duty military and government employees, additional rules may apply. Some points to consider when shipping your car:

CONNECT WITH TRANS GLOBAL TODAY

Trans Global Auto Logistics has over 30 years in the business. Consult with one of our representatives today, and we’ll ensure that shipping your car overseas is as stress-free as possible.

Get An Answer to One of Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

Without a doubt, one of our most frequently asked questions is, “How long does it take to ship a car overseas?” This article will provide a detailed overview of the process and answer your questions about how long it will take to ship your car or truck. Please note that this article only applies to personal vehicles. Please get in touch with us directly for information about shipping heavy equipment or a fleet of vehicles designed for resale or commercial use.

The Average Speed of a Cargo Ship Determines How Long it Takes to Ship a Car Overseas

Judging the average speed of a cargo ship is sometimes tricky because the sea is an untamed, unpredictable entity. You never know what might happen on the water to delay your vehicle shipment. However, a qualified shipping company does everything possible to mitigate the risks.

Collecting a list of estimated freight transit times from your freight forwarder is imperative. A cost estimate for each shipping method is helpful, too. What you learn can affect your choice to go with an open-air carrier or a Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) ship, or you might decide to go with an auto shipper that can transport your car via air freight. Selecting the air freight option may reduce how long it will take to ship your car or truck. At Trans Global Auto Logistics, we trust our ability to ship your vehicles quickly and without error. Here’s a breakdown of average speeds for a variety of carriers.

Consolidated Container Ship

large stack of cargo containers

Consolidated container ships are the most cost-effective way to transport your vehicle. Your car gets loaded into a container with other automobiles going to the same port. While more affordable than other options, the average speed of a cargo ship is low when compared to other options. Of course, that also depends on your location. Your car may reach its destination in three weeks, but when determining how long it takes to ship a car or truck, it’s more likely to take 30-40 days.

Single Container Shipping

Although single container shipping also involves a cargo ship, it reduces your freight transit times. But, unfortunately, you pay dearly for the privilege. Transporting your car in a large container of its own will likely cost twice as much as a consolidated container.

However, it takes far less time for your vehicle to voyage through the shipping process, and it will be cleared through customs quickly. When determining how long shipping a car overseas will take with this method, your vehicle should arrive in two to three weeks. It’s the optimal choice for moving classic cars.

RoRo Ships

RoRo ships are the preferred method for shipping cars. Rather than being loaded into a container, the automobile is rolled onto the ship and safely braced, then driven off once it reaches its port.

RoRo ships are faster than the average speed of a cargo ship but slower than what you’ll experience when you book a container yourself. When trying to figure out how long it will take to ship your car or truck, it comes down to the destination and total distance, though your auto shipper should be able to get your vehicle to you in less than a month. It’s an excellent middle-ground option, but you should be aware that your RoRo ship probably won’t travel a direct route to your destination.

Ultimately, you have to compare the average speed of a cargo ship to how long you can wait to have your car shipped overseas to your overall budget. If speed is more important than anything and money is no object, then air freight might be your best bet. Talk to Trans Global Auto Logistics about the pros and cons of each choice.

If you’re in the boat-building business, you realize that every cent matters in your plight for profits. Unfortunately, tariffs can easily eat into your profits. And with costs of materials rising in today’s inflationary environment at the start of 2022, it’s not surprising that some boat builders fear that their businesses will end up sinking versus swimming in the long run.

The good news? 2021 ended on a positive note for American boat makers when the European Union’s (EU’s) retaliatory tariffs came to an end. The EU and the United States (US) agreed to eliminate the 25% retaliatory tariffs that the EU placed on all American-fabricated engines and boats entering the 27-member-state union.

Let’s take a deeper look at what the EU’s removal of these tariffs on American-created boats means for boat makers in the US and boat buyers in the EU moving forward.

The End of Retaliatory Tariffs

The EU’s decision to end retaliatory tariffs was announced back in November 2021, and the move couldn’t have been more timely. Why? Because the union’s tariffs were slated to rise from 25% to 50% on December 1.

These boating-related tariffs were an important component of a bigger agreement that U.S. President Biden and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyden announced during Rome’s G20 Summit. The larger agreement removed American tariffs on any imported aluminum and steel from the union. These tariffs dated back to 2018, during former U.S. President Trump’s administration. 

The National Marine Manufacturers Association, a key advocate for recreational boaters and boat makers, played an instrumental role in bringing visibility to the tariff issue and subsequently resolving it.

snapshot of sailboat on the sea

Why the End of Retaliatory Tariffs Matters to the Boating Industry

Ending the retaliatory tariffs is great news for recreational boat makers, as American boat makers comprise the biggest segment of today’s outdoor entertainment/recreation industry. This industry is valued at several hundred billion dollars annually. This industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and tens of thousands of businesses.

Sadly, during the past three years, the tariffs sparked a trade dispute that ultimately hurt this industry. Specifically, it led to a 50% drop in products going to one of the industry’s largest global markets. It also caused the industry to lose revenue totaling several hundred million dollars. In light of this, the recent decision is a major win for the boating industry as a whole, allowing it to thrive like never before long term.

Long-Term Implications for Buyers and Sellers Specifically

Now that the retaliatory tariffs are gone, American boat fabricators no longer have to worry about being saddled with taxes that put them at a disadvantage in the international market. Instead, as a boat maker, you can continue to export in the most cost-effective manner possible. 

In addition, moving forward, you won’t feel pressure to increase your prices to absorb the tariffs. As a result, you can remain more competitive, which will increase your chances of making sales. And your buyers will save in the process. It’s a win-win situation for sellers and buyers. 

several yachts lined up on water

Save Money with High-Quality Boat Shipping Services, Too

In addition to saving on tariffs in 2022, you can begin saving on your boat shipping costs simply by hiring a top-tier logistics service. Perhaps you’re shipping boats to the United Kingdom, North Europe, West Africa, or even the Middle East from the US. Or, maybe you’re a buyer in the EU looking to purchase a U.S. boat more affordably now that the retaliatory tariffs are a thing of the past. Either way, a reputable service provider can make the process as cost efficient and streamlined as possible for you.

As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need to begin any global boat shipping process about a month ahead of your shipping date. In this way, you’ll have plenty of time for preparing your vessel and gathering all of the necessary legal documents. This is critical given that shipping a boat internationally is inherently a complicated process both legally and logistically.

Note that if you’re in the United Kingdom, for example, the process of shipping a boat from the US’s East Coast may last from 30 to 45 days. Meanwhile, this stretch of time may be a longer 45 to 60 days if you’re getting a boat shipped to you from the US’s West Coast.

Be sure to take advantage of marine insurance as you embark on the boat shipping process. This will provide you with full coverage in the event that your vessel is damaged while in transit.

Take Advantage of Highly Rated Vehicle Transport Services at Trans Global Auto Logistics Today

At Trans Global Auto Logistics, we take pride in offering top-of-the-line vehicle transport services for clients all over the world.

We realize that global shipping remains a constantly changing industry. For this reason, we are committed to consistently evolving, too. We combine our knowledge with the most cutting-edge shipping advances to bring you the unparalleled service you deserve.

As a shipping industry leader, we ship 15,000 privately owned vehicles from America each year. In addition, we are licensed to take care of all export and import documentation for our customers.

Get in touch with us today to find out more about our matchless logistics services. With our help, your boat shipping process can truly be smooth sailing from start to finish.

No one wants to be caught unawares with the holidays approaching, and that means it’s time to consider international shipping costs. This season, be prepared with the facts on international shipping delays so that you know what to expect.

Why Are There International Shipping Delays in 2021?

Back in 2020, many people assumed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic would essentially be over by the time the calendar turned to 2021. Of course, that didn’t happen, and this year’s delays are likely going to extend into if not beyond 2022. Goldman economist Ronnie Walker explains, “Backlogs and elevated shipping costs are likely to persist at least through the middle of next year because no immediate solution for the underlying supply-demand imbalance at US ports is available.”

Governments, retailers, and individuals have done as much as they can to prepare for the holiday surge but only so much can be done either preventatively or proactively when the entire world is having the same problem. It’s an oversimplification to say that all delays are because of COVID-19, but the generalization isn’t too far from the truth. Since port congestion and other symptoms have no way to get better, the entire situation is really just getting worse. People want more things shipped than ever, but that doesn’t get it to them even faster; in fact, with the backlogs, it means more delays.

Different International Shipping Methods

To understand what to expect with delays in shipping this season, it’s first critical to recognize the different methods that are available for global shipping. While most international shipping happens over water through cargo transport, there are also options through the air. Learn more about different international shipping methods below. And remember, even the most secure or fastest methods can’t be completely immune from international shipping delays.

Roll On Roll Off

Usually abbreviated as RoRo, roll on roll off is the most popular method for international boat shipping and other large shipping services. While consumers may not care how their items are shipped, the method selected can have a significant impact on how soon their products get to them.

Expected Delay: Days to weeks; time varies. Ports are currently overwhelmed and there are worker shortages causing gridlock at each stage in the global supply chain due to consequences of the pandemic.

Container Shipping: Shared or Dedicated

As the name indicates, this type of shipping stores goods in a container, either shared or dedicated. Similar to open vs. closed transport over land on the road, the more private or exclusive a shipping situation is, the more expensive it is.

Expected Delay: Days to weeks; time varies. Many cargo containers are gridlocked at ports and experiencing international shipping delays.

Air Freight

Air freight is the quickest but most expensive shipping method, occurring in hours rather than the days or weeks it takes for cargo by sea shipping. With all the port problems going on right now for ocean cargo shipping, air freight may seem especially tempting. However, in reality, airports have many of the same concerns as sea ports. 

Expected Delay: Hours to days; time varies. Airport restrictions make it difficult for air freight items to take off and land. Processing also takes longer than it did prior to the pandemic.

A loaded shipping container

Understanding International Shipping Costs This Year

Obviously, in general, costs will be higher due to international shipping delays 2021 has brought, with effects that vary, but in general both lower supply and increased demand. Air freight is still more expensive than standard ocean cargo shipping, but now the ratio is even higher for how much more it costs. It’s not just that shipping costs and times are increased; products themselves will also likely continue to cost more. Inflation is continuing to affect prices at each stage of the supply chain.

People typically look for the cheapest shipping options, but taking the lower cost often means sacrificing security, quality, and speed in the shipping conditions. It is difficult to even generalize expected delivery times for different shipping methods because the reality is so dependent on so many factors, which include:

And that’s just to name a few. For example, a shipment of high-end furniture from India to the United States in a shared container will definitely take a lot longer than an order of throw pillows being flown from Canada to the East Coast, but it may cost a lot less.

What Does This Mean for You?

So there’s delays, and it’s hard to know how it will affect costs, but how does that affect your shopping? Well, for starters, experts recommend getting shopping done as soon as possible. It won’t matter if companies have a three-week backlog if you get your Christmas shopping done before Black Friday. It’s also important to consider that some things may not be available in your price range in 2021 that would have been workable in 2019. But for something that’s really important, don’t be afraid to put down the funds necessary for a quality, secure shipping experience.

Get Qualified Shipping Support

Trans Global Auto Logistics is proud to serve as a bonded Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) and Freight Forwarder with more than 30 years of experience. While it’s true that we have never seen anything like the international shipping delays 2021 has brought with continuing effects of the pandemic, we are still the experts to come to when it comes to qualified shipping support. Reach out now for a quote on our services or more details.

In the midst of widespread global supply chain backups including port gridlocks and international shipping delays, the United Nations has committed to reducing the problematic ecological effects of so much shipping. Countries have pledged to work together to create green corridors as zero-emission shipping routes in a recent plan that looks to the future of the world. Learn more about the context and importance of these pledges below.

What is the Clydebank Declaration?

At the United Nations global climate summit in November 2021, 22 countries, including the United States, came together to agree to a specific course of action to focus on making shipping more friendly to the environment. Their commitment is referred to as the Clydebank Declaration, pledging to work together to invest, promote, and create clean energy infrastructure at ports. The pledge invites the creation of green corridors between ports for more eco-friendly alternatives to the fossil fuel usage of major trade routes that are currently extant. The Clydebank Declaration aims towards “reducing the maritime sector’s emissions to zero by 2050,” according to the LA Times.

The important context of the Clydebank Declaration is that it “comes as the ports of L.A. and Long Beach, the busiest in the U.S., face increased scrutiny over cargo ship logjams and worsening air pollution,” as the LA Times explains. One attorney remarked that “what was already a bad situation” in terms of delays and shortages with supply chain slowdowns and lockdowns is “made worse from an air pollution perspective.” While it is important to understand how higher costs and more delays can affect holiday shopping, air quality around ports should also be a concern.

Where did this declaration come from?

The Clydebank Declaration did not just come out of the blue. The lingering effects of the pandemic have led the United Nations to be more aggressive with their plans for climate-focused changes, goals that go towards the Paris climate agreement made in 2015 which focuses on limiting global warming, bringing together all nations in a common cause. Just as every country has been affected by the pandemic, every country is affected by climate change. It takes a united globe to enact lasting change towards helping the environment. Essentially, the Clydebank Declaration seeks to curb shoreline air pollution by transitioning ships to cleaner sources of power. This is a common goal for the world to prioritize the environment for all of our sakes. 

And, for your information, this is referenced in the name of the United Nations’ declaration. Clydebank is a Scottish town, literally situated on the banks of the Clyde River. Serving as the historic center of the Scottish shipbuilding industry, Clydebank is still a place involved in maritime activities. Naming the declaration after Clydebank demonstrates the United Nations’ understanding of the past and present of shipping as we move towards a better future. Now that we understand the recent declaration asking us to prioritize greener shipping solutions, let’s get into how this prioritization can be done through the concrete creation of special trade routes that are focused on helping the environment.

What are green corridors?

As part of the commitment in the Clydebank Declaration to create zero-emission shipping routes, the Getting to Zero Coalition report recommended the creation and use of green corridors. But what are these corridors and how will they help with the environment? As defined by the Maritime Executive, a green corridor refers to “a shipping route between two major port hubs on which the technological, economic and regulatory feasibility of zero-emissions ships is accelerated by public and private action.” So, these corridors are routes that will become “green” or environmentally friendly. From fuel producers and vessel operators to regulatory authorities, change is possible with support from all relevant parties. 

The Getting to Zero Coalition report noted in the preface that green corridors can constitute “targeted regulatory action and route-specific collaboration in the value chain,” “with a focus on scalability and replicability,” which will be necessary to promote zero-emission shipping routes in 2021. Overall, as Maritime Executive declares, “the creation of green corridors offers the best opportunity to accelerate progress in tackling challenges of decarbonizing the shipping industry.”

Why is striving towards zero-emission shipping important?

Since most cargo ships are powered by “dirtier” diesel fuel than what’s used in cars, “the shipping industry is a major emitter of planet-warming greenhouse gases” on a global scale, as the LA Times warns. The Maritime Executive explains that the “shipping industry…is responsible for approximately 80 percent of global trade” and “accounts for about 3 percent of total global CO2 emissions.” That might not seem like a lot, but the LA Times gives context: “cargo ships collectively spew an average of 1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year, about as much as all U.S. coal-fired power plants combined.” 

And that much carbon dioxide emission is not good for the environment or us. It’s not just that it’s harder for people with asthma to breathe or harder for us to see the stars at night; these emissions are permanently changing the earth, which can affect the planet’s habitability. So this is critical for individual and global health on a planetary scale. “Saving the planet” isn’t just a nebulous idea; it’s a concrete focus the United Nations is trying to promote.

The Clyde River in Scotland

Shipping for the People

As an expert in shipping for over 30 years, Trans Global Auto Logistics provides shipping for the people. The current attention to shipping and advocating for more ecologically efficient shipping is exciting, thinking of a world of zero-emission shipping using green corridors that were created as part of international efforts to work together for each other. We are proud to be a part of the important efforts going forward internationally as we work together to make the world a better place. If you are interested in our expertise or specifics about our processes, please contact us for more information. We’d love to talk to you about your individual questions or concerns.

The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest body of water on earth, covering more than 30 percent of the planet’s surface. Tropical storms and rogue waves make the ocean among the roughest waters in the world to navigate. Oaring for weeks across 50-foot waves alongside massive blue whales makes rowing across the Pacific Ocean one of the toughest journeys on earth, though certainly, the whale sightings help!

According to the Ocean Rowing Society, less than 440 rows have been completed successfully across the world’s oceans. The extreme physical, mental, and emotional challenge, though, will not stop the Endurance Limits team from rowing across the Pacific Ocean in an attempt to break a world record. With support from Trans Global’s Pacific Ocean transport services, Endurance Limits will try to make rowing history to raise funds for a good cause.

Who are Endurance Limits?

Endurance Limits are a team of four friends who are no strangers to extreme challenges. These men are not endurance athletes or marine commandos, but normal guys with regular day jobs who enjoy pushing their own physical and mental limits. While establishing a new world record is the most challenging adventure they have ever signed up for, the team members have been on expeditions in the past that have stretched the limits of human endurance.

Endurance Limits Team Members

Darren Clawson, a police officer and the founder of the Endurance Limits team, has raced in jungle marathons and run across an entire country. Clawson’s police colleague, Aaron Worbey, has competed in rowing races across the Pacific Ocean. Darren Baker is a financial planner who has participated in many ultra-endurance swimming competitions. Simon Evans, an executive at an IT consulting firm, has taken part in plenty of rowing and cycling sporting events.

While Endurance Limits’ crew members may seem like your typical thrill-seekers, these guys are not competing in a world-record-breaking rowing race to get an adrenaline high and make a name for themselves. With help from TGAL’s Pacific Ocean transport services, Endurance Limits will strive to set a new world record to gain publicity and raise funds for their charitable missions.

Endurance Limits’ Mission

Endurance Limits was born from Hadley Clawson’s struggle with a rare form of epilepsy. The rare disorder caused Hadley to experience debilitating seizures throughout his life, which eventually left him mentally impaired and physically disabled. Hadley now lives in St. Elizabeth’s Centre for people with epilepsy and other profound disabilities, receiving 24/7 specialist care for his complex medical needs.

Hadley is Darren Clawson’s son, the founder of Endurance Limits. Darren formed the Endurance Limits team with three of his most daring and determined friends to help vulnerable people like his son live life to the fullest. The team is rowing across the Pacific Ocean to raise funds for charities and organizations that help people live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Endurance Limits’ charitable missions include:

Building a New Health Center

A disabled individual sitting in a wheelchair in an outdoors environment

St Elizabeth’s Centre, where Hadley currently lives, has launched a fundraising campaign to build a new specialist healthcare facility so they can deliver better care to their physically and mentally impaired residents. Endurance Limits came up with the idea of rowing across the Pacific and setting a new world record in order to raise $150,000 for upgrading St. Elizabeth’s facilities.

Building an onsite health center will not only benefit St. Elizabeth’s residents, but it can also improve the lives of thousands of people around the world. St. Elizabeth’s specialist health center can provide valuable data and clinical trial participants to world-renowned research programs, helping scientists find new solutions for neurological disorders like epilepsy.

With logistics support from TGAL’s Pacific Ocean transport services, a world-record-breaking row across the Pacific will bring more attention to St. Elizabeth’s fundraising campaign, helping them acquire enough resources to build the needed facility.

Increasing Awareness of Alternative Treatments

Endurance Limits is promoting and raising funds for Matthew’s Friends to increase public awareness of alternative treatment options for epilepsy.

Matthew’s Friends is a non-profit organization that educates and provides resources to families that want to adopt ketogenic therapies for relieving epileptic seizures.

Numerous studies have found the ketogenic diet to be very effective in patients that do not respond to anti-epileptic drugs. Rowing across the Pacific with a Matthew’s Friend logo on Endurance Limits’ boat will bring the organization into the spotlight and increase people’s knowledge on alternative treatment options for chronic seizures.

Supporting Cleaner Oceans

The world’s oceans are choking on plastic pollution. In the Pacific Ocean alone, an area three times the size of France has become one of the largest dumps for plastic garbage in the world. Plastics have toxic chemicals that harm both marine and human health. Toxins from plastic waste in the oceans enter the human food chain through seafood and tap water, causing neurological disorders like epilepsy among other health conditions.

With support from TGAL’s Pacific Ocean transport services, Endurance Limits will use this world-record-breaking event to raise money for The Marine Conservation Society’s (MCS) Clean Seas program. MCS is working with governments, businesses, and communities around the world to reduce plastic pollution and promote cleaner oceans. Rowing across the Pacific and breaking the current world record will help MCS’s fundraising campaign gain more public attention and resources, supporting cleaner oceans and healthier lives.

The Current World Record in Pacific Ocean Rowing

To get maximum publicity for these charities and raise funds for their philanthropic goals, Endurance Limits must try to break the current world record in Pacific Ocean rowing. The current world record was set during the Great Pacific Race in 2016 by the Uniting Nations team.

Uniting Nations was able to row from Monterey, California, to Honolulu, Hawaii, in 39 days, 9 hours, and 56 minutes, setting a new Guinness World Record as the fastest westbound crossing to Hawaii. Endurance Limits must break Uniting Nations’ record to make rowing history and accomplish their charitable goals.

TGAL’s Role in Helping Endurance Limits Break the World Record

Trans Global Auto Logistics is honored to help Endurance Limits row across the Pacific Ocean in record time so they can accomplish their charitable goals. TGAL is not only sponsoring the event, but will also handle all of Endurance Limits’ Pacific Ocean transport requirements to help the team make rowing history. With more than 30 years of experience in international boat shipping and ocean transportation, TGAL has the expertise needed to facilitate the logistics of this high-profile sporting event.

Endurance Limits is building a new rowing boat at a manufacturing facility in Devon, UK, to participate in this event. The boat should be shipped through the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans to reach its destination port in Monterey, California. From Monterey, California, the team must row 2,700 miles across the Pacific Ocean to Honolulu, Hawaii, in less than 39 days to break the current world record. TGAL will manage all of Endurance Limits’ shipping needs across multiple oceans so the team has more time to prepare for setting a new world record.

A cargo ship carrying countless containers on sea during daytime

The Process of Transporting Endurance Limits’ Boat

A fully bonded and licensed freight forwarder, TGAL uses its relationship with multiple logistics and shipping partners around the world to transport Endurance Limits’ boat to its final destination. Our Pacific Ocean transport services start by hauling the boat from its manufacturing facility in Devon, UK, to delivering it at the destination beach in Monterey, California. Below, we explain the seven processes that TGAL goes through to ship Endurance Limits’ boat for rowing across the pacific:

  1. Export haulage – TGAL arranges for the boat to be transported on land from the manufacturer’s premises to the warehouse of a shipping partner in the UK.
  2. Export customs clearance – Our shipping partner will submit the required documents to UK authorities to clear the boat for export.
  3. Origin handling – The boat is inspected, placed inside a container and then moved to a seaport where it is loaded onto a ship.
  4. Ocean freight – The boat is transported by a shipping line or charterer contracted by TGAL.
  5. Import customs clearance – TGAL submits documents and pays customs duties to US authorities to obtain clearance for importing the boat.
  6. Destination handling – The container with the boat is unloaded from the ship and transported to one of TGAL’s warehouses.
  7. Cargo delivery – TGAL delivers the boat to Endurance Limits in Monterey, California, for rowing across the pacific.

Partner With TGAL to Transport Your Boat Around the World

Do you need Atlantic or Pacific Ocean transport services to ship your vessel to another country? From fishing boats to superyachts, we can help you transport vessels of all shapes and sizes to any destination of your choice, while preventing damage and maintaining their pristine condition. Call us at 972-602-1670 to inquire about our international boat shipping services or request a quote for transporting your vessel to another country.

Global shipping is in chaos. After somewhat recovering from a COVID-19 recession, the industry is now battling a confluence of disruptive factors that have led to an international transportation crisis. From manufacturing plant shutdowns in North America to goods piling up on Chinese factory floors, an extremely tight logistics capacity is disrupting international trade on a scale not seen in modern history.

The international shipping capacity crunch has sent global supply chains into disarray, posing a challenge to post-COVID economic recovery. Tight capacity is causing manufacturing disruptions, transportation delays, and higher shipping costs, adversely impacting the supply chains and profit margins of many businesses. Let’s review tight capacity, what it is, and how our team at Trans Global Auto Logistics (TGAL) can be your partner in navigating the issues involved.

What is Tight Logistics Capacity?

Before delving into tight capacity, let’s first try to understand what capacity means in the logistics industry. Capacity in the logistics industry is the maximum amount of cargo that can be carried by transport modes like trucks, trains, and ships. In simpler terms, capacity is the amount of shipping space available for transporting goods to their destination.

When there is more capacity supply than demand, we experience overcapacity. But when there is more demand for capacity than available supply, we experience tight capacity. Many factors, some of which stem from the pandemic, have led to the current tight logistics capaaity around the world. Below, TGAL will explain how insufficient shipping container capacity, congested ports, and labor shortages are causing the global transportation crisis we’re facing today.

Why is There Tight Capacity?

Some factors that contributed to the current disruption in transportation, like labor shortages, existed before COVID-19. But a cascade of events that followed the global pandemic have created an international logistics crisis, squeezing all parties involved in the global supply chain. Some factors that have caused the current tight logistics capacity include:

Increase in Demand

As countries locked down and imposed stay-at-home orders, online shopping became most people’s favorite pastime. Lower fuel costs, a spike in eCommerce shopping, and an increased need for more personal protective and medical equipment led to more demand for shipping container capacity to transport goods around the world. Increased demand for logistics capacity led to decreased supply of available freight space, leading to the global transportation crisis we are experiencing today.

Port Congestion

COVID safety precautions have decreased the availability of dockworkers in many of the busiest ports around the world. A smaller workforce at The Port of Los Angeles ⎼ the busiest port in the United States and the main point of entry for goods from Asia ⎼ has led to slower operations and delays in handling cargo.

Ships are stuck for days offshore in floating traffic jams and empty containers are piling up at the port. There are currently more than 285,000 empty shipping containers lying idle at the Los Angeles port. Slower loading/unloading and countless empty containers sitting idle at busy ports around the world are major contributing factors to the global logistics capacity crunch.

Chinese Trade Surplus

A red and blue cargo ship on sea carrying countless intermodal containers

China was the first country to get hit and then recover from the Coronavirus. As a result, its economy bounced back quicker than other countries. This uneven economic recovery led to significantly more Chinese exports heading to the US and Europe than the other way round. China is aggressively demanding empty containers to be sent back from export destinations, resulting in tighter shipping container capacity for American and European exporters.

Labor Shortages

Many countries were struggling with truck driver shortages long before the pandemic. But the pandemic quarantined some drivers and caused many others to lose their jobs, resulting in a severe shortage of truckers in many countries around the world.

Trucks are needed to haul shipping containers from ports to the rest of the country. A lack of truck drivers is tightening logistics capacity and delaying the delivery of goods to their final destination, disrupting entire supply chains across many industries.

Impact of Tight Capacity on Businesses and Consumers

Capacity constraints in the logistics industry are creating bottlenecks in international transportation, particularly with the recent issues at the Suez Canal. From manufacturers to businesses and consumers, every entity in the supply chain is feeling the pain of a global capacity crunch. Delayed or canceled deliveries of raw materials are leading to factory shutdowns in many countries around the world. Honda halted all its American and Canadian manufacturing operations as port logjams hampered parts procurement.

Along with transportation delays, constraints in logistics capacity are leading to skyrocketing shipping costs. Businesses wait for weeks and are willing to pay premium rates to get sufficient shipping container capacity for transporting their cargo. The shipping crisis has caused a three-to-six-fold increase in international transportation costs, hurting businesses’ profit margins and consumers’ pockets. McKinsey estimates international shipping costs to remain high for the next two years, threatening the viability of small businesses that rely on importing and exporting goods.

How to Deal With Tight Logistics Capacity

The international transportation crisis has forced governments and businesses to come up with new solutions for mitigating tight capacity. Congress has recently introduced a bill ⎼ the DRIVE Safe Act ⎼ that can help relieve the country’s truck driver shortage. Carriers are implementing several measures ⎼ such as adopting more efficient unloading systems and reducing container detention periods ⎼ to help ease the shipping capacity crunch.

Despite all these measures, the logistics capacity crunch will not go away anytime soon. A fast-recovering global economy along with fewer shipping containers in inventories mean the transportation crisis is here to stay for the foreseeable future. Businesses need to form long-term partnerships with shipping providers to get priority access to limited capacity when they need it.

Stacks of colored intermodal containers on top of one another

Getting Affordable Rates During Tight Capacity

If you run an import and export business or just need to ship your personal goods to another destination, the shipping container capacity crunch will make it difficult to transport cargo cost-effectively. Many logistics companies will charge you hefty fees for shipping your freight, which can put a big dent in your wallet or damage business finances. To combat the high costs of tight capacity, you need a logistics partner with extensive experience and expertise in the industry to get the most competitive rates for your freight.

Partner With Trans Global to Get Competitive Rates

With more than 30 years of experience operating in the freight and transportation industry, Trans Global Auto Logistics (TGAL) has the knowledge and expertise needed to overcome the challenges of tight logistics capacity. We have built solid relationships with numerous shipping lines and charterers over the past few decades, allowing us to get the most competitive rates in the market during times of shipping container capacity shortages.

Unlike other freight and logistics businesses, we own our warehouses, which helps us offer lower-cost shipping services to our customers. If you’re struggling to get affordable rates for shipping your cargo because of tight logistics capacity, we can help. Call us at 972-559-3229 to learn more about our transportation services or request a quote for shipping your cargo.

The world continues to feel the impact of Brexit. Shipping to Europe and the UK has changed, both in the short term and the long term.

But what do the Brexit shipping impacts mean for you, the consumer? Do the Brexit and shipping industry complications have much visibility for shipping customers? How is shipping different going forward in a post-Brexit world?

Today in the Trans Global Auto Logistics Blog, we are looking at Brexit, shipping to Europe and the UK, impacts on the shipping industry, and how all of this affects you.

The Big Picture Summary

The bottom line for shipping customers is that Brexit will have an overall negative impact on international shipping for the foreseeable future, particularly shipping to and from the UK. Some of the key trends to expect are:

When it comes to Brexit and shipping industry companies, the market will gradually resolve most of these problems. But it will take years, and some of the problems are probably here to stay.

Meanwhile, there are some localized winners. If you’re a non-UK goods company who directly competes with UK companies on the international market, you may gain an edge — especially in the short term. With Brexit, shipping to Europe and elsewhere is easier right now if you’re not in the UK.

Immediate Post-Brexit Shipping Impacts on the UK

The Palace of Westminster in London, UK. At the start of 2021, immediately after the UK left the EU single market — a legal framework that allows goods to move between participating countries without the burdensome international customs inspections usually associated with national borders — international shipping around the world was thrown into turmoil and uncertainty. Post-Brexit shipping to Europe from the UK was hit particularly hard, becoming less reliable, more expensive, and slower. Shipments into the UK from Europe were hit hard too.

Highlights: Disruption, Disruption, Disruption

Shipping Rates Soar

One of the first and biggest Brexit shipping impacts was that shipping rates exploded. Most notably, rates from Asia into the UK spiked fourfold, reaching record highs.

This was due to a massive spike in consumer demand, especially in the UK — where citizens were eager to take advantage of the European single market while they still could, and had excess funds to spend on consumer purchases due to reduced availability of hospitality services during the pandemic. This caused a flurry of Brexit shipping to Europe and the UK from Asia.

This surge in imports from Asia led to UK port congestion, exacerbated by staffing shortages due to COVID. and a glut of empty containers stranded in the US, UK and Europe due not only to the Brexit situation but the pandemic as well. With so many containers in the West, there were not enough containers available in Asia to meet the surge in UK demand, leading to the spike in rates.

The Good News

The good news is that the worst Brexit shipping impacts — the shipping disruptions — are going to subside, or have already been subsiding. Brexit and shipping industry companies aren’t “enemies” of each other: The demand for shipping services will be strong over the long term, which means that the shipping disruptions will ease up as the initial shock of the UK’s departure from the single market fades. So the UK’s post-Brexit shipping to Europe will eventually stabilize.

In the meantime, the UK is eager to make new trade agreements with other key trading partners like the U.S., which, once in effect, will likely have a positive impact for companies shipping to or from the UK.

A Less Favorable Customs Landscape

As mentioned, the shipping market will gradually optimize for the new, post-Brexit economic landscape. However, one thing that can’t be optimized away is the new regulatory barrier when it comes to Brexit shipping to Europe (and Northern Ireland) from the UK, and to the UK from Europe.

We expect the rise of border control and customs barriers between the UK and the EU to be one of the main long-term Brexit shipping impacts. Some of these barriers will be monetary in nature, in the form of various direct fees, and associated cost-of-compliance fees for shipping companies. Other barriers may see quotas or bans on what can be shipped between the UK and the EU.

And then of course there are the barriers of time: Brexit shipping to Europe – UK routes will definitely become and remain slower due to increased inspection times. This has already come to pass in the form of long commercial queues at border stations. Over time these bottlenecks will be solved, but the longer inspection times are probably here to stay, and will become one of the other main Brexit shipping impacts in the long term.

On a positive note, we expect, for the most part, that both the UK and the EU will try to minimize these barriers, since it is greatly in their mutual economic interest to do so. And we have seen the UK largely choose to continue to abide by, for example, existing EU environmental and safety regulations pertaining to international shipments.

Just-in-Time Inventory Management

The slower reality of post-Brexit shipping to Europe, and vice versa, is having a global impact on companies that use a “just-in-time” inventory management system. Under this system, supply chain disruptions can lead to sudden and serious shortages. Until the uncertainties are resolved and equilibrium is achieved in UK – EU shipping, just-in-time may become less desirable for some companies.

Brexit and Shipping Industry Companies

A heavily-laden cargo freighter approaches land.

Shipping companies themselves have experienced considerable post-Brexit shipping impacts and uncertainty.

The shipping industry as a whole will not be particularly hurt by Brexit, and shipping industry companies are already settling into a new equilibrium. The good news for you as a shipping customer is that, as the initial post-Brexit shock fades, you can expect the reliability, availability, and breadth of shipping services to all improve, and the spike in shipping rates to come down (albeit probably not to what it was before Brexit).

Shipping to Europe and the UK is definitely still a viable option! Shipping companies have dealt with international borders long before Brexit, and shipping industry best practices are already highly advanced and ready to be applied to the UK – EU situation.

Get the Reliable International Shipping Services You Need at Trans Global Auto Logistics

The biggest takeaway from Brexit is the uncertainty that it brings. It will take decades for everything to play out. But in the meantime, when you need to ship to or from overseas, including the UK or EU, you have good options available.

At Trans Global Auto Logistics, we have responded to the flurry of post-Brexit shipping impacts by closely following developments, building out new capabilities and compliance protocols wherever necessary, and ensuring the absolute minimum of disruption to our shipping services.

We won’t be stopped by Brexit! Shipping to Euriope and the UK with Trans Global means taking the stress and hassle off your hands by letting us get it done right. We have over 30 years of experience, and are proud to offer a wide variety of shipping services and modes of transport.

Speak with Our Knowledgeable, Friendly People

We hope this article has helped you better understand the major Brexit shipping impacts in terms of customers like you who ship internationally. At Trans Global, we are ready to deal with Brexit and shipping industry complications. Trust us with your post-Brexit shipping to Europe and the UK!

Explore Our Shipping Services

Here are some of our most popular international shipping services:

Also be sure to check out our resource guide, Container Shipping to the UK.

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Shipping a vehicle is a great way to move it from its point of origin to a destination securely and with less wear and tear. While transporting vehicles is popular for cars that are condition-sensitive, such as classic or collectors’ vehicles, it can be a necessity for your everyday needs as well. This is especially true if there are too many vehicles to drive (like when moving across the country using a rental truck), or when you need to transport your car by air or sea.

Shipping a vehicle, however, is not a one-size-fits-all solution. There is a range of options available to tailor your car’s long-distance transport to your specific needs.

 

Considerations When Transporting Your Vehicle

There are several factors to weigh when you choose to ship your car. These will determine not just the method of conveyance, but the specifics of how it is conveyed.

White truck on a long distance transport

Modes of Long Distance Car Transport

How your vehicle reaches its destination can vary. The route you choose might be based on necessity, convenience, or budget, and can affect the timeline for your vehicle to be delivered. It’s best to understand the pros and cons of each method of transporting vehicles so you can make a more informed decision.

Transport Options

When transporting vehicles, the carrier will do its best to prevent damage and keep your vehicle safe, but there are several ways to ship a vehicle that affect the level of safety and security offered.

Working With a Vehicle Shipping Company

When you need to ship a vehicle, it can be tempting to begin transporting vehicles on your own. While it’s possible to do for longer trips, especially those crossing international borders, working with a reliable vehicle logistics partner can be a far better option. This takes a lot of the stress of arranging transport off your plate while engaging experts who can make your vehicle’s journey seamless.

Experienced shipping service not only has access to the equipment or carriers you’ll need to see your vehicle safely transported, but the connections to get you better prices and ease the transition of your goods across borders. They can manage customs and import requirements, and provide the guidance you need to prepare your vehicle for safe transport while advising you of the best method of transport to meet your budget and safety considerations. They’ll also be licensed and insured to protect your investment in the case of negligence, giving you the peace of mind you need for shipping a high-value resource like your vehicle.

Delivering Your Vehicle Safely

With the right planning and care, you can transport your vehicle safely to its destination. Just understand your requirements for the trip and don’t be afraid to approach experts for help with transporting vehicles. To get started, reach out to our team at Trans Global Auto Logistics to learn more and get a quote.

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