Mixed Bag When it Comes to Transpac Air Rates: On average, costs from Shanghai to the West Coast are sitting below the $9/kg mark. East Coast rates from the same origin are settling just around $10/kg. Such a wide disparity is not common. Hong Kong rates have not changed much over the past week and customers should continue to expect paying on average between $9-$11 per kg. On the other hand, Taipei, leads the pack with rate levels above $16/kg.
China Airlines’ Pilot Quarantine Update: China Airlines’ 14-day mandatory quarantine for pilots is in place, however the situation is not as dire as expected. There will be about a 20% reduction in flight schedules resulting in a 10% drop in overall capacity. Last week we had reported that all flights to/from JFK and ORD would be grounded but that is no longer the case. Despite the cheerful news, rates out of Taiwan, the airline’s base country, are still some of the highest in the world.
Conflict on Israel-Palestine Border: As tensions continue to escalate, many airlines, including Virgin Airlines and Lufthansa have continued to make daily decisions to cancel flights in and out of Tel-Aviv (TLV) Airport. There is hope that there will be a halt to fighting within the next day or so. Until then shippers should be mindful of possible delays.
There are options – from premium carriers, alternative routes, and priority/guaranteed services. Let us know the challenge you are facing, and we can find the right solution for you. Reach out to Thomas Marano, National Director of Business Development, Airfreight & eCommerce.