Drewry: Box shortage to ease this year after last year's drought

IT is forecast that the supply of container shipping boxes will not be in such short supply this year as last year.


According to a Drewry Supply Chain Advisors the manufacture of containers recommenced in 2010, but it "has not yet been sufficient to bring worldwide availability to the required ratio of 1.9 containers per slot."


It also said in its Logistics Executive Briefing publication that new container prices have risen to record levels of US$3,000 per FEU, reports the American Shipper. Drewry said it "does not expect the deficiency to be as acute as last year, when carriers were caught off guard by the rapid recovery in demand. Any impact is likely to be limited to backhaul trades where containers may be reluctant to let go of scarce equipment for low-paying cargo.


"This time around shipping lines are likely to be better prepared but will use the opportunity to restore rates," said Drewry.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)