Global Corporate Moving continues to face shipping disruption, higher freight costs and pressure on transport capacity. Shipments to and from India are experiencing delays, while limited carrier coverage and high costs continue to affect the Middle East. Changes to selected Red Sea services, container availability and congestion across several trade lanes are also influencing shipment planning. Canadian advance shipping requirements and road transport developments in the Netherlands and the UK remain relevant to moving operations.
India shipping disruption increases delays and freight costs
Shipments to and from India have faced significant delays and higher freight rates. Ongoing hostilities around the Arabian Peninsula have reduced shipping capacity and pushed freight prices to their highest levels since 2024.
Vessel diversions around the Cape of Good Hope have reduced global shipping capacity by approximately 9%. Most ocean freight bookings are now being made on spot rates only, with many contract and tariff rates no longer available.
Cargo diverted from Gulf transhipment hubs has increased congestion at west coast Indian ports, causing vessel bunching and delays, with minimum dwell times of seven days. A shortage of truck drivers, shipping lines prioritising higher-yield cargo over household goods and increasing container yard congestion are adding further pressure.
Guidance on Canadian advance shipping requirements
Canadian regulations require shipment information to be submitted electronically before cargo departs for Canada. Introduced several years ago by the country’s Border Services Agency, the requirements allow customs authorities to identify and process each consignment within a consolidated groupage container before arrival.
Groupage shipments have increased, with some moving companies facing penalties because they are unaware of the regulations. FIDI has published guidance to help businesses avoid delays, penalties and additional costs when shipping consolidated household goods into Canada in containers.
FIDI guidance on Canadian advance shipping rules
https://www.fidifocus.org/news/amj-guidance-for-canadian-advance-shipping-rules/
Transport and logistics businesses anticipate supply chain changes
More than two-thirds (69%) of transport and logistics businesses expect to change suppliers or supply chains in response to ongoing geopolitical disruption, according to a new global report from insurance provider Beazley.
Spotlight on geopolitical and economic uncertainty 2026 is based on a survey of 3,500 business leaders worldwide. It highlights concerns including market volatility, workforce pressures, cybersecurity and increasing regulation.
Economic slowdown, inflation, recession and sovereign debt were cited by 42% of respondents as among the biggest risks, up from 32% in January 2026. Workforce-related risks, including recruitment and retention, employment costs and mental health, were mentioned by 88%, compared with 79% in January. Cybersecurity was among the top three risks for 39% of respondents, up from 36%.
Four in five respondents (80%) said global regulations were an issue for their businesses. The report indicates that companies are placing greater emphasis on resilience and flexibility rather than efficiency alone. Of those surveyed, 27% plan to invest in technology and AI, while 22% intend to increase investment in insurance and risk-management services.
Dutch truck toll requirements take effect
The Netherlands introduced its distance-based truck toll on 1 July. Under the new rules, every truck must carry a working onboard unit supplied by an authorised provider, with no option to purchase tickets for individual journeys.
The unit must remain switched on throughout the Netherlands, including on roads where no toll applies. Drivers are advised to check before departure that the device is working and displaying a green indicator. International operators should be aware that the system differs from schemes elsewhere in Europe.
Haulier closures threaten UK supply chains
More than 1,300 UK haulage companies closed during 2023–2025, according to figures from transport payment platform SNAP. Almost 400 stopped trading in 2025, following around 470 in 2024 and more than 500 in 2023. Road freight carries approximately 81% of domestic goods in the UK.
Global shipping update
Middle East shipping remains constrained
The Middle East continues to face disruption, with limited carriers offering limited port coverage. The recent collapse of Oman-led talks to resolve passage through the Strait of Hormuz, which were due to take place in Salalah in mid-September, has added to the difficulties facing shippers in the region, where container shipping costs have reached record levels.
Hapag-Lloyd increased rates under its MTC contract from 1 October, with freight for a 40ft container now costing upwards of $8,000. Alternative options continue to face high costs, delays, congestion and the likelihood of substantial additional charges.
Emergency bunker surcharges continue
Restrictions on oil exports have driven sharp increases in fuel costs. Shipping lines have been applying Emergency Bunker Surcharges across many trades, often with immediate effect.
Selected services return to the Red Sea route
Following a careful assessment, the Gemini Cooperation, which includes Hapag-Lloyd, has decided to move services N41, ESL, SE2 and XSL to the Red Sea route rather than sailing via the Cape of Good Hope. If these services prove successful, other carriers are likely to follow.
Availability of 20ft containers remains a concern
During the summer, many members experienced problems securing 20ft containers, often receiving confirmation of availability only on the day of loading. Problems were particularly pronounced with Hapag-Lloyd, which provided availability information only at very short notice, creating a shortfall. On some trades, the carrier offered 40ft containers as substitutes at no additional cost. It is hoped that availability will improve.
Congestion affects key trade lanes
An upsurge in transatlantic trade is filling allocations quickly, making last-minute bookings unlikely. Typhoons in the China Sea have also affected many local ports, with a substantial container backlog in Shanghai causing transit delays.
The Asia to Oceania market continues to grow strongly, placing pressure on feeder services used by shipping lines for Australia and New Zealand. Companies may now face delays on shipments to Oceania. Some shipping lines have also introduced Emergency Space Surcharges. While we continue to resist their application, these charges may need to be accepted to secure space.
Henk Schutte
Group Move Supply Chain Manager
Santa Fe Relocation