Less congestion on the high seas has put additional pressure on some retailers already struggling with too much stock.
Wary of missing deadlines for their Q4 sales, they increased lead times, but now some are having to pay extra to hold back new stock as their warehouses are already full.
One forwarder explained: “Lots of retailers are unable to get what has become over-ordered stock into their distribution centres and warehouses.
“Detention and demurrage charges are mounting at ports or off-dock facilities as warehouses are full. This is additional, considerable cost off the bottom line that needs paying for from the supply chain/logistics budget.”
Read more in an article from The Loadstar.