IMPORT: Asia to North America (TPEB)

Recent Developments:

• ILWU Canada caucus approved the terms of a tentative contract agreement with Western Canada port employers. Rank-and-file members of the union are expected to vote this week on the deal.

Rates: General rate increases have hit the transpacific in the second half of July with more expected to arrive in August. Unlike earlier in the year, these increases have stuck around and driven up rates.
Space: Space is open, but could see some tightening amid capacity management and rising demand.
Capacity: Capacity is still open, but carriers have been focused on tightening service offerings due to higher demand in recent weeks.
Equipment: Available at virtually all inland and coastal points.
TIPS:

• Keep a pulse on inventory and establish concrete timelines with ordering. Will you be importing before the holidays and peak season? Are you holding off until 2024?
• Don’t get complacent with the favorable market conditions the past several months. Tightening capacity and higher rates could pose booking challenges through peak season. Plan ahead!
• Hold your logistics partners accountable for frequent updates regarding blank sailings, rate increases, or any other forms of market maintenance.

IMPORT: Europe to North America (TAWB)

Rates: Rates continue to steadily fall.
Space: Space is open, except for a few pockets.
Capacity: Capacity is open.
Equipment: Availability on both origin and destination sides, unless advised otherwise.
TIPS:

• Book at least three weeks prior to ready date.
• Premium add-ons (i.e., no-roll options and improved cargo reliability) remain assurances shippers should consider with transatlantic service.

EXPORT: North America to Asia

Rates: Rates are low and level. 
Space: Space is open but tighter on U.S. Gulf Coast 
Capacity: Capacity is widely available for all services.
Equipment: Availability at virtually all inland points and seaports. However, chassis access remains a wildcard against fluid intermodal movement.
TIPS:

• Book at least two weeks prior to the time of departure.
• Shippers with high volume projects should take advantage of the carriers’ receptiveness to take on these opportunities. Space is wide open with a high acceptance rate.