Many businesses around the world are currently facing challenges with shipping container shortages. Limited availability and rising shipping rates are adding pressure to the shipping industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has played a role, but is not the only factor driving the shipping container shortage.
This article will explore the key reasons behind the container shortage 2024, including issues like disrupted trade flows, port congestion, and reduced availability of vessels. We will also provide you with practical advice on how your business can navigate these difficulties, as well as share strategies to help manage the impact of container shortages more effectively.
Is there a shipping container shortage?
Yes, there is a shipping container shortage in certain regions, especially in Asia. Key shipping routes like Asia-Europe are facing difficulties due to a lack of 40ft and 20ft containers at major Chinese ports. Companies are struggling to reposition empty containers fast enough to meet demand. Which is impacting global shipping operations.
Geopolitical tensions and environmental disruptions, such as delays at the Panama and Suez Canals, are further complicating the situation. This is now leading to higher costs and potential shipping delays on affected routes.
Read more about what's driving the 2024 increase in shipping costs.
Why is there a shipping container shortage globally?
In early 2020, lockdowns due to the Corona-virus began in China, followed by Europe, the US and eventually most countries. These restrictions severely impacted travel and transportation, causing a sharp drop in sales and global trade. By June, cargo volumes surged, starting with Asia-USA routes, then Asia-South America and Asia-Oceania. Carriers responded by increasing capacity in some regions to meet the rising demand. But as more trade lanes recovered, managing the increased activity became challenging.
Below, we will explore the various causes behind the current shipping container shortage. Several factors have contributed to this situation.
What caused the shipping container shortage 2024:
1. Shipping container shortage due to decreased availability
The first months of the pandemic saw a drastic drop in global trade, disrupting the normal flow of shipping containers. This created a shortage of shipping containers in key locations during the recovery phase, which led to significant price increases. Sometimes by thousands of dollars within a short period. This affects the container availability even today.
2. Shipping container shortage due to port congestion
Many ports faced staffing shortages during 2024 – affecting not only terminal workers but also essential support roles like truck drivers. This resulted in delays for vessels, missed sailings, and limitations on how many containers could be loaded, further complicating shipping logistics.
Read more about port congestion in different ports.
3. Fewer operational vessels leading to shipping container shortage
As global trade slowed, some vessels were taken out of service for maintenance or refurbishment. Additionally, COVID-19 outbreaks on some ships led to interrupted voyages, reducing the overall number of vessels available for shipping.
4. Changes in trade patterns creates shipping container shortage
Shifts in consumer purchasing behavior and the unpredictable nature of the pandemic have caused irregularities in global trade. These fluctuations have increased shipping costs, making it harder to manage supply and demand effectively.
Solutions to the 2024 shipping container shortage: What you can do about it
Due to the ongoing shipping container shortage, businesses must adopt strategic measures to navigate the challenges. The following list outlines effective strategies that can enhance your shipping operations, ensuring better reliability and efficiency during times like this. By implementing our tips, you can better manage logistics and secure timely deliveries despite current market constraints.
List: Effective strategies for managing shipping container shortage
Consider premium products
To ensure a more reliable service, some carriers offer premium products that provide advantages like priority access to equipment and space. Although these services come at a higher cost, they are ideal for important, time-sensitive shipments. If timely delivery is crucial, consider using these premium options, which can improve your chances of securing the necessary equipment. Bertling can help you with your time-sensitive shipments.
Plan your bookings
Streamlining your booking process can reduce workload for everyone involved. To achieve this, make sure to book shipments at least four weeks in advance, minimize cancellations, and make the most of Bertling’s digital platforms. Keeping all parties informed about changes as early as possible will also help ensure smoother operations in times with shipping container shortage.
Learn more about our logistics project management.
Gain knowledge
Having accurate forecasts and plans is essential in unpredictable situations. Look for reliable sources of information for upcoming events, explore alternative routes, and consider different container types. Remaining flexible will expand your options during shipping container shortages, such as those we have experienced in 2024. Examine Bertlings portal to check the latest schedules and routing options.
Leverage Bertling’s network and expertise
We have the right solutions to help diversify your logistics and reduce risk. By using our services you can access the best choices to meet your shipping needs.
Bertling is a global logistics and shipping company specializing in complex project freight forwarding, general freight forwarding (GFF), and resupply transportation. We were founded in Germany over 159 years ago and are now operating an extensive international network.
When will the shipping container shortage end?
The shipping container shortage is expected to ease as we move out of 2024. But challenges will most likely persist in specific regions and routes. For instance, while there may be temporary shortages in areas like Asia due to logistical inefficiencies and the need for repositioning containers, the overall global situation is gradually improving. Factors like rising demand for containers in the Asia-Europe trade and geopolitical disruptions will continue to affect container availability, but increased production and repositioning efforts are expected to stabilize the situation in 2025.
An exact timeline for a complete resolution remains uncertain, as various factors such as climate-related disruptions and labor issues could create fluctuations throughout 2025.
During times of shipping container shortages – Rely on Bertling
Navigating the challenges of shipping container shortages can be daunting, but Bertling is here to help. With over 159 years of experience in logistics and freight forwarding, Bertling offers tailored solutions to ensure your shipping needs are met efficiently.
We offer solutions in air freight, sea freight, road freight and rail freight. Our extensive global network and expertise in project logistics allow us to quickly adapt to changing market conditions – helping you secure the necessary containers and manage delays effectively. Rely on Bertling to provide the support you need to keep your operations running smoothly, even during challenging times.
Read our article helping you with which transport solution you should choose, or contact us for more information on how we can assist you.
