For both the importer and exporter in the ocean world, it is no secret that container drayage is hard to come by with the current shipping conditions. There was recently a depot closure in Newark; according to JOC.com, this depot closure is causing a ripple effect. The depot that was closed was Ironbound Intermodal Industries which held around 12,000 containers. The closure of this depot is causing truckers to scramble and find new storage for their empty containers.
Carriers are not helping by having the empty import containers returned to other locations than where the trucker pulled the loaded container. Newark/New York in the recent month has been busier in the past two months than it has in the past four years. If the shipment is being put on the rail, the container may be delayed due to congestion right now. Depending on a rail yard, rails only allow a certain number of containers to be accepted at the yard per day.
As we continue to adjust our planning around the ever-changing conditions, there are some recommendations that we can offer to help ease the struggle of trying to obtain trucking. First and foremost, the sooner you know about a shipment, let us know to obtain the trucking. Secondly, provide all pertinent information as early as possible, such as the delivery locations, hours, and contacts to help us avoid further delays. Lastly, we ask you to keep all parties involved looped in about any potential delays to your shipment. Here at Jade, we provide all updated information as we receive it, but delays and schedule changes can happen within hours of each other.
As always, Jade is here to assist with any question or concerns.
