US congestion affects Auckland

Delayed vessels are now tending to arrive out-of-window at Auckland together in bunches, with weekends proving particularly problematic due to the local freight community not being at full operating capacity.

It is also understood that some importers in Auckland are struggling to find sufficient storage yard capacity to manage inbound cargo volume with some trucking firms said to be advising customers they cannot accommodate further volume in the lead up to Christmas.

Ports of Auckland head of communications Matt Ball says congestion could be alleviated if more cargo could be uplifted at weekends, when there was spare capacity at the port.

Although, Mr Ball notes that despite the issues, truck turn times have remained positive and all export cargoes are making their vessels.