Good Day Clients & Partners,
Please find below our newsletter with the latest freight & logistics updates for the week. As always, the Inter-Sped team are ready to go the extra mile for you – so don’t hesitate to contact us.
SOUTH AFRICA
Air Freight
Imports:
Operations continue to run smoothly however with the approaching peak season, notable increases in demand for space into ZA is being experienced.
Road Freight
Road Freight Borders all operating as normal, some delays experienced with Johannesburg Customs, with SADCs taking as many as 3-4 days for release
Sea Freight
Exports Sea
- Vessel space issues: Reefer season is causing space constraints on vessels which results in cancellations and rollovers to later sailings.
- Early booking crucial: Bookings need to be made as early as possible to secure space however this is subject to acceptance by carriers.
- Hazardous cargo bookings are being particularly affected, due to the IMO class cargo not being compatible with the reefer stows.
Port Updates
Durban Port
Overall, terminal operations are smooth. Clear week ahead with no weather stoppages expected. Road rehabilitation along Bayhead Road continues, may lead to some gate congestion. No backlogs.
- Pier 1 – 0 days waiting time
- Pier 2 (DCT) – 0 – 2 days waiting time
- Point 1 – 2 days’ waiting time
Cape Town Port
Vessel berth delays may vary as per the service. Port operations have been relatively smooth. No backlogs.
- CTCT: 0-3 days waiting time
- MPT: 0 days waiting time
Port Elizabeth
No backlogs.
- PECT: 0 day waiting time.
- NCT: 0 days waiting time
AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS
Air Freight
Exports Air:
SA AIRLINK
- JNB – LLW, BLZ, MALAWI new bookings from the 15th of September 2025
- JNB – TET, MOZAMBIQUE new bookings will only be accepted from the 15th of September 2025
- JNB – APL, MOZAMBIQUE new bookings will only be accepted from the 15th of September 2025
- JNB -HLE – ST HELENA new bookings only from the 27th of September 2025 (Remains unchanged)
Sea Freight
Operating smoothly without delays.
Port Updates
West Africa
NAMIBIA
- 8 days waiting time at Walvis Bay.
ANGOLA
- Berthing delays of up to 8 days experienced at Luanda port.
GHANA
- Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Tema port.
NIGERIA
- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Apapa and 1 day at Tincan.
IVORY COAST
- Berthing delay of 3 days experienced at Abidjan port.
- Severe yard congestion resulting in slow operations and berthing delays.
Indian Ocean Islands
MAURITIUS
- Berthing delays of up to 4 days experienced at Port Louis.
- Waiting time is impacted by adverse weather conditions and operational challenges. Strong wind gusts and heavy swells conditions. Capacity is severely restricted out of Mauritius; with carriers advising limited to no capacity until end of September.
REUNION
- Port Reunion (Reunion) is seeing 5 days waiting time.
MADAGASCAR
- Toamasina (Tamatave) (Madagascar) berthing delays at 0 days.
East Africa
MOZAMBIQUE
- Maputo currently reflecting 5 days and Beira reflecting 9 days vessel waiting time.
- Clear weather expected in the week ahead, with no additional stoppages being anticipated.
KENYA
- Berthing delays of 6 days experienced at Mombasa port.
- Terminal is facing long-term congestion, slow productivity due to equipment shortages and high transshipment volumes. Berth delays are also due to vessel bunching arriving off-window.
TANZANIA
- Berthing delays of 5 days experienced at Dar es Salaam ports. Berthing sequence will impact waiting time.
- The delays in Mombasa are impacting vessel rotation and schedules. Despite carrier service being published as Direct into Dar Es Salaam, we have seen containers discharging in Mombasa and being moved into Dar Es Salaam by feeder in an effort for the vessels to regain time.
- Terminal gate and road is congested, resulting in further equipment movement delays.
- Adani terminal is undergoing maintenance work at the quay for next 2 years, which may impact operations.
NORTH AMERICA
Air Freight
Operations running smoothly.
Sea Freight
Operations running smoothly.
Port Updates
USA
NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY
- Average vessel waiting time in New York terminals is at 3 days.
- APMT New York continues to face high demand for gate appointments and may be unable to accommodate all requests – particularly on vessel cut-off days. Customers are encouraged to deliver export cargo within the first few days after the terminal begins accepting freight for a specific vessel. This high demand, as well as frequent changes to published vessel times and cut-offs, is creating further delays and resulting in containers not being loaded.
NORFOLK
- Vessel waiting time at 4 days.
- Average import dwell time is 2.9 days.
- North NIT (Port of Virginia) is estimated to be operational in late September.
CHARLESTON
- Average vessel waiting time for Charleston terminals is 3 days.
LOS ANGELES/ LONG BEACH
- Vessel waiting time is up to 2 days for Los Angeles and 2 days for Long Beach.
- Terminal gates are running as published and in line with Pier Pass programme.
CANADA
MONTREAL
- Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at this port.
- Yard utilization is at 40% and vessel productivity remains high. Many services are arriving off schedule at the time of report.
- The rail car supply has improved and import dwell times reduced to 4.9 days. It is anticipated that the car supply will improve over the next week or so.
VANCOUVER
- Berthing delays of 1 day experienced at this port.
- Yard utilisation is steady at 71% and production levels are high.
- Average import rail dwell time is 2.6 days, with steady rail production.
SOUTH AMERICA
Air Freight
Operations running smoothly.
Sea Freight
Operations running smoothly.
Port Updates
ARGENTINA – Buenos Aires
- Berthing delays of 10 days.
- Yard utilisation is high and despite berthing delays, terminals are working normally.
- Foreman’s union strike at Terminal 4, APM Terminals on 4 September 2025.
BRAZIL – Santos
- Berthing delay of 2 days experienced at Santos port.
- All terminals are working normally.
MEXICO
Altimera
- Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Altamira port.
Veracruz
- Berthing delays of 6 days.
Manzanillo
- Berthing delays of 3 days.
- Berth is congested; but terminals working normally.
NORTH WEST CONTINENT, UNITED KINGDOM, MEDITERRANEAN.
Air Freight
Operations running smoothly
Sea Freight
Operations running smoothly
Port Updates
- Seasonal delays are also anticipated due to European summer holidays, while congestion remains a concern, transshipment hubs are improving, with Las Palmas now reporting only about one day of vessel waiting time.
- South Africa service to NWC sees carriers currently focusing on REEFER cargo for the next 5 to 6 weeks (mid to end September). Reefer cargo will receive priority, followed by DRY containers. DG cargo will see tighter controls imposed by carriers and bookings will be limited with containers being subject to roll, as determined by vessel planner at time of loading. Mix of DG class per container will not be accepted at this time. The tighter controls imposed by carriers at this time will have an impact on consolidation containers and DG bookings will be subject to delay and limited bookings. Reefer cut off as “land” date is 10 October 2025; therefore, this will be latest sailing ex South Africa around 10 September. Anticipation is that capacity out of South Africa may ease at this time.
BELGIUM
- Berthing delays of 5 days experienced at Antwerp port.
- High yard utilisation, and levels are critical.
- PSA and AGW have gate opening times to 5 days prior to vessel ETA.
FRANCE
- Berthing delays of 4 days experienced at Le Havre port.
GERMANY
- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Hamburg and 1 day at Bremerhaven.
- Terminal yards are at elevated levels but are stable with little impact on operations.
ITALY
- Terminals are congested with berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Genova and 1 day at La Spezia port.
NETHERLANDS
- Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Rotterdam port.
- Generally, yard utilization is high, but stable. However, RWG levels are critical with 80%-85% utilization.
SPAIN
- Berthing delays of 1 day experienced at Barcelona port.
TURKEY
- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Istanbul port.
- Berthing delays of 2 days at Izmir port.
UNITED KINGDOM
- Berthing delays of 1 day experienced at London Gateway port.
- Delays on container transshipments through London Gateway into Europe (Hamburg) continue.
MIDDLE EAST AND INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT
Air Freight
Operations running smoothly
Sea Freight
- Capacity out of India is constrained; with carriers advising that they are booked until mid to end September. Carrier freight rate increases have been noted for September.
- Israel – ports are considered as essential services and are therefore expected to operate as usual. Port operations are conducted in accordance to guidelines as provided by relevant authorities.
Port Updates
INDIA
- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Nhava Sheva and 1 day at Chennai.
- Weather related stoppages are being experienced.
- Capacity out of India is constrained; with carriers advising that they are booked until mid to end September. Carrier freight rate increases have been noted for September.
SRI LANKA
- Berthing delay of 2 days experienced at Colombo port.
- Terminal services impacted by high yard density, high transshipment levels and bad weather conditions.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
- Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Jebel Ali.
ISRAEL
- Berthing delays of 3 days at Ashdod port and 1 day at Haifa.
- Ports are considered as essential services and are therefore expected to operate as usual. Port operations are conducted in accordance to guidelines as provided by relevant authorities.
ASIA PACIFIC (Including Oceania)
Air Freight
Imports Air:
Operations is operating smoothly. Expect higher rates during peak season as demand for space tightens
Sea Freight
- Capacity remains tight and rates are currently stable, though at a premium. With Golden Week scheduled for 1–8 October, there is a possibility of capacity reductions, which could affect freight rates.
- Unscheduled transshipments continue as carriers’ published direct sailings are not guaranteed, and container routings may change without prior notice. This is expected to persist until the backlog in Singapore is cleared and capacity levels improve.
- Shekou / Yantian: Due to tightening Customs controls in Shenzhen; containers are being detained by Chinese Customs for inspections. Containers are moved to General Administration Custom for inspection and this may take 1 to 2 weeks for the inspection and release of the container. Every effort is made to ensure full Customs compliance and to have containers released as soon as possible.
Port Updates
HONG KONG
- Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at this port.
NANSHA
- Berthing delays of 0 days experienced at this port.
NINGBO
- Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at this port.
QINGDAO
- Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at this port. Vessel bunching and congestion being experienced.
SHANGHAI
- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at this port. Heavy vessel bunching and congestion being experienced.
SHEKOU / YANTIAN
- Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Shekou and Yantian ports
- Due to tightening Customs controls in Shenzhen; containers are being detained by Chinese Customs for inspections. Containers are moved to General Administration Custom for inspection, and this may take 1 to 2 weeks for the inspection and release of the container.
- Every effort is made to ensure full Customs compliance and to have containers released as soon as possible.
XIAMEN
- Berthing delays of 0 days experienced at this port.
XINGANG / TIANJIN
- Berthing delay of 0 days experienced at this port.
SINGAPORE
- Berthing delays of 1 day being experienced at this port. Increase in vessel bunching is expected over the weekend and week to come.
- As vessel capacity remains tight; full container transshipments may be delayed.
- LCL cargo moving through our Singapore transshipment hub is not seeing any delays at this time.
KOREA
- Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Busan port.
TAIWAN
- Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Kaohsiung and 2 days Keelung.
THAILAND
- Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Bangkok and 1 day at Laem Chabang ports.
NEWS ARTICLES
SA-US Trade: Exporters Stay Steady as Tariff Appeals Loom
01/09/2025
South African exporters continue to ship goods to the United States despite a 30% increase in duties since early August. Exporters Western Cape chairperson Terry Gale cautioned that while a US Federal Appeals Court recently ruled against former President Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose broad tariffs, Washington has until October 1 to appeal. This leaves shippers and forwarders facing ongoing uncertainty over tariff structures in the weeks ahead.
Gale noted that exporters, particularly in manufacturing and agriculture, are bound by contractual obligations and cannot halt shipments despite rising costs. He advised shippers to continue paying CIF and CFR duties while monitoring developments closely, adding that freight agents have a responsibility to provide clients with daily updates. US buyers’ preference for DDP and DAP terms further complicates the environment, requiring careful navigation of cost responsibilities.
Economists suggest that the wider economic impact of tariffs in the US remains limited for now. Dawie Roodt of the Efficient Group highlighted that revenue from tariffs has exceeded expectations, while consumer price effects have been muted, though they may grow over time. Analysts believe this outcome strengthens political momentum for maintaining tariffs, with further developments expected once the appeal deadline passes. Source
Importers Urged to Safeguard Potential Refunds Amid Tariff Uncertainty
03/09/2025
Importers into the United States are being advised to take immediate steps to preserve their eligibility for potential tariff refunds, as legal challenges to the Trump-era tariff regime progress toward the Supreme Court. Although a lower court recently ruled the tariffs illegal, the process of liquidation by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) could prevent importers from claiming refunds if their entries are finalized before a decision is made.
The liquidation process, which confirms the final duties owed on imported goods, typically takes about 10 months but can be completed in a matter of weeks. Trade law firms are urging importers to identify shipments affected by tariffs and request extensions to delay liquidation, with CBP permitted to grant extensions of up to three years. Once liquidation is final, importers generally lose access to refunds unless a protest is filed within 180 days.
While it remains uncertain whether the courts will ultimately invalidate the tariffs, legal experts emphasize the importance of acting now to safeguard refund rights. Importers are encouraged to monitor developments closely, engage with legal counsel, and take proactive measures to protect their exposure. At the same time, CBP has announced upcoming increases to customs user fees, adding further cost considerations for those importing into the US. Source
Carriers Weigh Impact of Upcoming USTR Port Fees
03/09/2025
October 14 marks the start of new US Trade Representative (USTR) port fees on Chinese-built and Chinese-operated vessels, alongside the deadline for a White House appeal on recent tariff rulings. Under the new measures, Chinese carriers registered in China or Hong Kong will face charges of $50 per net ton per ship call at US ports, or $120 per teu for China-built vessels. Only one of the two fees will apply, whichever is higher.
Industry uncertainty remains over how carriers will handle the added costs. Some operators with diversified fleets, such as Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, confirmed they will avoid surcharges by deploying non-Chinese-built ships on US routes. However, other Asian and European carriers with fewer alternatives may face capacity constraints, potentially tightening supply and stabilising rates as the new rules take effect.
Alliances are already adjusting services to mitigate exposure. Freightos reports that some carriers are restructuring routes to prevent Chinese-built vessels from calling at US ports, while Ocean Alliance members such as Cosco and OOCL are expected to face the greatest challenges. CMA CGM may assume a larger share of alliance services to reduce fee exposure.
Despite these adjustments, questions remain over whether any increased costs will be passed to shippers. Analysts note that weak market conditions and resistance from major shipper associations may limit the scope for surcharges. As a result, the full impact on freight rates will depend on capacity shifts and how carriers choose to absorb or distribute the additional fees. Source
Carriers Announce Golden Week Blanked Sailings Amid Rate Pressures
02/09/2025
Carriers have begun announcing blank sailings ahead of China’s Golden Week, with MSC confirming six cancellations between weeks 39 and 41 on Asia–Europe routes. Two Mediterranean services and four Northern Europe services will be affected, though the line has assured customers that contingency plans are in place to maintain bookings.
DHL Global Forwarding noted that while strong seasonal demand is supporting high vessel utilization, carriers are expected to strategically reduce capacity to sustain general rate increases (GRIs). The forwarder highlighted tight space and rising rates across Intra-Asia and Oceania, with carriers prioritizing high-yield cargo, while rates to Latin America remain volatile amid fluctuating demand.
Forecasts suggest blank sailings may remain historically low compared with recent years. Xeneta reported only 13 blanks forecasted out of Asia in October, down sharply from 39 in 2023 and 31 in 2024. A similar trend is seen on the transpacific, where monthly blanked sailings have averaged 33 since June, compared with more than double that in previous years.
Analysts suggest that some carriers are opting to swap smaller vessels for blanks, particularly on the transpacific, reducing cancellation rates while maintaining reliability. While capacity reductions remain likely in the weeks ahead, the scale appears more muted than in past Golden Weeks, leaving shippers to monitor closely for last-minute adjustments. Source
SOURCES & REFERENCES
SACO CFR | Hapag Lloyd | Maersk | MSC | Transnet | The LoadStar Publications | gCaptain.com | Shipco Transport | Splash247.com | Freightnews | Seatrade Maritime News | Automotive Logistics | Lloyds List
Again, the Inter-Sped team is here for all freight and Logistics needs – We will always do our best for you and keep you posted on your shipments progress on an individual shipment level.
Thank you for choosing Inter-Sped.
JJ & The Inter-Sped Team
