New quarantine measures in China are causing ground handling and operations staff to resign in high volume resulting in cargo delays, flight cancellations, and increasing freight rates. The Loadstar reported this week that the rules are also including flight crews adding to the problem of additional empty and cancelled flights. Backlogs at impacted airports are expected to continue to grow in the weeks ahead. (See link to Loadstar, “Pandemic rules bring China air cargo chaos …”, August 19,2021, Sam Whelan)

The Chaparral has capability of carrying up to 300 pounds of cargo over 300 miles.

‍SEE VIDEO

‍

Industry officials have voted to recommend that the U.S. Department of Commerce coordinate multiple federal efforts to deal with the current urgent issue of the record breaking driver shortage and the potential negative impact on the country’s supply chains. Recent developments have led to the Senate infrastructure bill that included support for an under-21 driver apprentice program and other endeavors to increase women drivers. (See link to: Truckload Indexes, “Federal panel urges Biden administration to attack driver shortage”, August 12, 2021, by John Gallagher)

While hurricane activity in the Atlantic has been minimal so far this summer, we are now heading into August and September which are typical peak months for hurricane season. Researchers are expecting about a 28% higher than average number of named storms this season compared to the last 30 year period. As usual, a major storm will impact shippers and carriers and can easily result in substantial supply chain disruptions. (See link for more info at FreightWaves, “Above Average Hurricane Season …”, July 29, 2021, by Jack Glenn)

While production of containers this first half year of 2021 is over double the rate compared to the past two years, the demand for containers continues to escalate, hitting an all-time high price of $3,800 per TEU vs. $1,600 about two years ago (dry, nonrefrigerated/nontank.) According to a recent industry estimate (by Triton International) production volume of TEUs may top over 4.5 million this year. Where does it go from here? (See Read More link for, American Shipper, “Containers are being built at record pace…”, July27, 2021, Greg Miller)

Civil unrest and port disruption that started earlier this month following the arrest of South Africa former president, Jacob Zuma has begun to subside this week, according to a report by The Loadstar. The Port of Durban experienced extensive disruption including terminal closures, as well as ship and operational delays. Recent reports have described the situation and operations as returning mostly back to normal. (See link for The Loadstar, “Port of Durban recovers from civil unrest ….,” July 20, 2021, Mike Wackett)