Cargo shippers have been tipped off to prepare for elevated import levels – and crowded ports this peak season – as consumer spending is still going strong. As a Cleveland CFS (container freight station), fluctuations in port volumes is always something we have on our radar – and we have no small store of strategies when it comes to how best to navigate so customers can avoid cargo slowdowns.

The recent port volume forecast was issued by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates, which reported we can expect monthly inbound cargo volume at major U.S. container ports to consistently stay above 2 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Container Equivalent Units) well into the fall season. Logistics experts note that container import volumes haven’t been this high for this long in probably 2 years or more – something of a surprise given that consumer spending has been trending more toward services than goods. But they’re still buying. And we’re still responsible for getting those goods to their door – intact, on time, every time.

Volumes at this level were a rarity prior to 2020. We saw them surge during the pandemic, and then drop off quite a bit over the last couple of years. But now there’s a shift – despite high interest rates, major geopolitical issues, and an overall economic slowdown.

What we don’t know is if this trend is likely to continue through to the very end of the year and beyond.

How a Cleveland CFS (Container Freight Station) Can Help

In the face of congested ports and strained logistics networks, container freight stations (CFS) have emerged as critical facilitators, offering invaluable support to import/export companies navigating the complexities of global trade.

Container freight stations essentially serve as intermediaries for consolidation, deconsolidation, and temporary storage of cargo containers in close proximity to ports. These sites play a pivotal role in streamlining logistics operations and enhancing supply chain efficiency – especially during peak season or simply when there’s a high swing in demand.

When you partner with a Cleveland CFS that also offers 3PL & 4PL services, customs bonded warehousing, and public warehousing, you can leverage our facilities and logistics expertise to maximize your flexibility by scaling operations as needed.

• Easing congestion at ports. When it’s peak season at ports, it can lead to delays in processing and handling. CFS facilities help ease this burden because we provide additional capacity for container storage and processing – so ports are able to keep things moving and are less likely to become ensnared with bottlenecks.
• Customs compliance. Customs procedures and rules are lengthy. CFS operators are familiar with the red tape, and can help ensure compliance with cargo inspections – so you can get through customs faster.
• Expedited cargo handling. As a Cleveland CFS, we offer expedited cargo handling services so that our import-export customers can get their goods quickly from the port to the distribution center. We rely on advanced tech and well-trained logistics teams to reduce dwell times, expedite cargo clearance, and improve the overall speed of your supply chain.
• Scalability. Cleveland CFS providers help companies scale operations bigger or smaller, depending on the market conditions and demand shifts.

We can also help facilitate alternative and intermodal transport when planned routes or modes are going to be delayed.

Leveraging Air Cargo Alternatives

As recently reported by Supply Chain Dive, many shippers and forwarders are eyeing air cargo as an alternative to ocean freight – hoping it will help their supply chains stay resilient given how busy national and international ports are expected to be over the next few months. It could be further exacerbated by a possible upcoming surge in market demand for goods from Hong Kong and China – something that also happened last year during peak shipping season as well.

Of course, shippers and forwarders still need to consider that they may be paying top dollar for global air cargo space, given that demand is up 11% the past several months due to Red Sea conflict impacts. But it could still be worth if it means getting their goods there faster.

No matter which routes or modes you choose, our Cleveland CFS empowers import-export companies to navigate the complexities of international trade – and the particular challenges of peak seasons in ports – with both confidence and efficiency.

Contact On Time Delivery & Warehouse by calling (440) 826-4630 or send us an email.

Additional Resources:

High port volumes expected for 2024’s peak season, May 10, 2024, By Edwin Lopez, Supply Chain Dive

More Blog Entries:

Ways a Customs Bonded Warehouse Boosts Your Company’s Bottom Line, Feb. 15, 2024, On Time Delivery & Warehouse Cleveland Container Freight Station Blog