Tag Archives: moving international

Shipping and Transport Update—September 2021

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The challenges in global shipping continue
The cost to send a container from Asia to the west coast of the USA is now 13 times higher than in 2019, reaching a record price of US$20,000 for one 40’ container, with the global average increase of 8 times higher when compared with pre pandemic era. Yet the increase in the cost of shipping is just one of the challenges facing the international moving industry.

Congestion at ports and delays in shipping
The surge in demand for shipping from the end of 2020 combined with the reduction in available labor has resulted in congestion at many ports across the globe with vessels queuing offshore pending unloading, as we progress through 2021 this situation continues. In the USA with the Thanksgiving holiday season (the peak buying season for consumers) approaching, many importers are moving early to ensure they have required stock to respond to increasing demand. The acceleration in Delta-variant COVID-19 outbreaks in several counties has further slowed global container turnaround rates, which when combined with severe weather outbreaks in Asia and The USA has further disrupted shipping timings with less than 40% of vessels globally meeting their published schedule in July.

Driver shortage is a global issue
Road transportation is a key function of international moving, be it moving effects within country or region or moving effects arriving by sea away from the port. The severe shortage of truck drivers in the USA is also being experienced globally. This shortage is making it difficult to source transport solutions, a high level of late notice cancellations and changes of schedule further exacerbating the difficulties of committing to dates for collection and delivery.

Warehousing
Key to moving goods is warehousing, enabling effects to be stored pending on transit and delivery. The growth of e-commerce is fueling the demand for warehousing space and fulfilment centers. With the uncertainty in shipping and with transportation driving the need for storage during a move, moving companies are facing ever increasing competition for available space.

What is the outlook?
There are signs that freight prices have steadied during August as shipping lines continue to seek solutions to meeting demand, including utilizing less congested ports and sourcing of additional containers, Hapag -Lloyd having bought an additional 450,000 containers in the last 12 months. Ports are seeking to increase capacity by accommodating new “mega” vessels and introducing larger cranes. However, with a number of countries still looking to contain Delta variant out breaks and continuing supply chain issues such as a global shortage of microchips causing the world’s largest car manufacturers to cut production by 40% every indication is that the challenges impacting Moving will continue into 2022.

Tips before you move into your new home

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Now that you have packed your things and the moving trucks are on the way to your new home, I have some tips for you to consider before moving into your new home.

Here’s what you should do when moving into a new home or apartment:
• Document house or apartment – In other words, make sure to take photos of your apartment or home you are moving into. If you have a landlord, document showing the condition of your new home. It will prevent problems down the road and avoid unnecessary liabilities and expenses.
• Boxes in pertinent rooms – As I discussed last week, make sure to label and separate your items room-to-room. Place your boxes in the appropriate rooms so it will be easy for you to unpack and you’ll also avoid any heavy lifting.
• Essentials first – You’ll want to assemble and put together the furniture and bedroom items first, the things you’ll use right off the bat such as a bed, chairs, tables etc.
• Large items – Also, take care of these items first such as the refrigerator, stove, washing machine and other big ticket items. It’s easier to install the bigger appliances when you have the room to hook them up, plug-ins and anything else that’s needed.
• Cleaning – When you first move in, clean the toilets, tubs and other bathroom areas. It’s one of the most used places in your new home besides the living room.

Use these important tips prior to moving in your new home and you’ll be more prepared and will settle in a lot quicker to make the overall experience more pleasing.

Safe moving!