Dear Valued Client,
The recent lockout at British Columbia’s ports, stemming from ongoing labor disputes, has significantly impacted Canada’s primary trade channels, especially at the Ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert. With Canada’s West Coast ports handling around $800 million worth of cargo daily, this disruption poses a substantial risk to both importers and exporters, especially as we approach the holiday season. For small- and medium-sized businesses that rely heavily on consistent supply chains, the potential impact is even more pronounced, with increased costs and delays likely to be felt first by smaller operations.
At Phoenix International, we anticipated a possible disruption in B.C. ports and took proactive measures to ensure our clients’ supply chains remain resilient. To mitigate potential impacts, we advised our clients in advance to avoid routing shipments through Prince Rupert and Vancouver, which are now experiencing halted operations and anchored vessels awaiting entry. However, we expect the resulting congestion to put additional pressure on U.S. West Coast (USWC) ports, already facing higher-than-normal volumes, leading to extended rail dwell times and limited rail power.
Our Response and Support Solutions:
- Transloading Services at USWC Ports: To handle the anticipated increase in congestion at USWC ports, Phoenix International offers transloading services at these critical locations. We’re equipped to unload cargo from containers and transfer it directly to domestic transport, enabling quicker movement inland. This is particularly valuable for time-sensitive shipments, such as holiday merchandise.
- Reliable Partner Network: We’ve established relationships with trusted transload operators and trucking partners who are ready to handle shipments efficiently. This network allows us to maintain streamlined and consistent delivery schedules, mitigating the risk of further delays.
- Flexible and Adaptive Solutions: For clients concerned about disruptions, Phoenix International offers tailored contingency plans to fit specific logistics needs. We’re monitoring the situation closely and will work with clients to provide the most efficient and reliable options for their goods, whether through alternative routing, expedited transloading, or adjusted delivery methods.
Our Commitment
At Phoenix International, we are dedicated to minimizing any disruptions to your operations. Our team is actively working with all relevant parties to provide you with the best possible solutions during this time. We will continue to provide regular updates to keep you informed.
