‘Gentle Arm Twisting’ by Carriers – Shipping Costs Spike
The ocean carriers are requesting the use of their own trucking and customs brokerage services, as part of spot market offers for exports from China.
A UK-based NVOCC received a rate offer for shipment on July 27 from Yantian to Felixstowe at a rate of $15,700 for a 40ft HC. Given that it was for “prompt shipment” and was a “good rate” in today’s overheated market, the forwarder asked for clarification. The catch: The contract also requests that the forwarder use the carrier’s nominated trucking service and customs broker.