As we move closer to the end of the year, I would have expected to be able to provide some positive news regards the ongoing issues with global logistics, however, it is now more challenging than ever. Ocean freight prices from Asia remain ridiculously high and haulage issues across the US, South America, Europe, and the UK are causing delays in shipments, with no real idea of when this will change.
The lack of UK drivers is another major problem, adding to the never-ending list of problems surrounding our exit from the EU. Many drivers are believed to have returned home to Europe following Brexit and many just believe we have simply underpaid drivers for several years, making it a much less appealing industry to be a part of.
UK port health authorities have been steadily increasing the sampling and testing of imports way above the usual average and way more than the agreed 5-10% dependant on the commodity and country of origin. There has also been a huge issue with our ports clearing goods in a timely manner, this has been a constant issue throughout 2021. All these costs, no matter the circumstances, are payable by the importer. Many believe that port health authorities have certain quotas to hit, and with Brexit and Covid costing the UK more than £350 billion, this may continue until it has recouped some of that money, or maybe until we have no importers left?