Bookings for all ro-ro routes from Europe to the Middle and Far East and most to the U.S. are expected to be suspended until at least the second quarter of next year.
Carriers are battling too little capacity amid a boost in demand to carry freight.
One forwarder said: “Rates are increasing, capacity is at an absolute premium, with some routes fully booked four months out, and if you have a vehicle to move or other machinery, you can only book today for March/April sailings on some lanes.”
“There is a little space on ro-ro ships heading to the U.S., but their prices are up 30% on the standard rates,” one UK-based forwarder explained.
Read more in an article from The Loadstar.