Southampton Freight Services reports tightening restrictions
The World is Still Moving
The Majority of cargo routes remain open, however there are tightening restrictions in some countries where the lockdown process is more restrictive.
Airfreight Export
We have extensive networks available to move cargo, however the space availability and restrictions on some items such as hazardous goods are becoming increasingly challenging to route, however we are finding solutions, despite such a dramatic reduction in passenger flights. Rates remain high. Freighter services available to majority of destinations worldwide. Some passenger airlines are operating ‘ghost’ flights (no passengers, cargo only). BA now offering a cargo only flight to Johannesburg, whilst Virgin Atlantic offer services to JFK and other destinations are opening up.
**Our air export team are battling with slow responses, last minute flight changes/cancellations, poor customer service in some areas or having to deal with some airlines that, dare we say, under ‘normal’ circumstances, we may choose not to! But beggars cannot be choosers, as the saying goes. A normal air quote or booking would usually take 5-10 minutes – but they are now taking an hour or so. Please bear with our fantastic team as they battle through this crisis!
International /UK Courier
ALL services remain in operation, but rather sadly we are now facing the implementation of an Emergency Situation Surcharge (ESS) as of 1st April. This is not an SFS surcharge. Both DHL and FedEx are charging now, and we are seeing it elsewhere. Many tariffs are temporarily suspended, so therefore we must begin to quote on a per shipment basis to be sure of the correct charge at time of shipment. Our online tariff is offline for the time being as we encourage your teams to email courier@sotonfreight.co.uk or call us on 02380 860999 (please remember we have limited staff in the building, so we encourage email communication)
You can also login using our New Online Platform where you can book your shipments and also track your courier shipments using the SFS awb number.
Import Air
Rates ex China are rising due to shortage of space and some import handling agents in London are adding COVID-19 surcharges on import arrivals. Pleased to note that we do NOT have any surcharge on air services routed into our Southampton ETSF facility. Please ask for routings into Southampton on our SOU service (for example Virgin Atlantic are still offering daily JFK flights and therefore we can route known cargo from the USA into our SOU facility, space permitting) and many Chinese services are open again.
Ocean Freight
Lack of space on quayside is creating a serious congestion issue for many shipping lines and port authorities, as many containers cannot be claimed/delivered due to lockdowns across the world. Whilst the issue is likely to create further equipment shortages across the world, there is also a large liability issue looming; It is the shipper’s ultimate responsibility to cover rent and demurrage fees on CPT Terms. We would highly recommend ensuring your client is able to receive the container at destination to avoid potential financial pitfalls.
These capacity issues are affecting availability of special equipment (such as reefer containers) on some routes, but we can make bookings for containers daily. More blank sailings have further reduced capacity so some bookings may take several weeks before sailing. We encourage you to discuss with our ocean export team by calling 02380 860999 or emailing searoad@sotonfreight.co.uk to discuss your requirements
- For Urgent European shipments we have an extensive network of dedicated vehicles that can deliver into Europe next day (or perhaps two days depending on the distance). Please let us know ANY requirements you have, large or small.
- Some continuing delays on standard European road deliveries and POD’s may not have a signature due to reduced personal contact at delivery points. This is an ongoing and developing situation.
- Warehousing space is available for large, small, racked, out of gauge, bonded, non-bonded, hazardous cargo, pick and pack etc. If your warehouse is closed/closing but you still want to ship orders, please discuss options for us to hold your stock and despatch against your orders. Contact sales@sotonfreight.co.uk
- UK Border Force and partner agencies have identified emerging trends involving criminal groups exploiting the current situation to ship illicit goods, including counterfeit medicines and PPE. Legitimate shipments are also targeted to hide illicit importations of drugs and excise goods.