The container traffic worldwide saw a modest recovery in May. Drewry’s GCP-TI recorded a 1.4% increase over April, whilst also indicating a 5.4% YoY growth, showing resilience in global maritime markets. The rolling 12-month average had stood steadfast at 6.5%, showing steady gains in the long term.
This increment reflects an increasingly smooth flow in supply chains and soaring demand in numerous regions worldwide- good indicators for shippers and logistics providers.
China and Europe Lead the Way
A marginal decline of 0.4% was seen in the throughput index in the Greater China region for the month under review, however, the annual numbers increased by 4.5%. Shanghai led the growth at 10.2% on an annual basis. Strength in outbound container volumes was observed, with the top-five Chinese ports averaging 7.2% in annual growth.
In Europe, the Container Port Throughput Index rose 3.7% month on month in May and 5.3% on a year-on-year basis. Port Said East registered about a 20% increase over the month and over a 50% increase year-over-year. This expansion signals that there is increased demand for intermodal freight shipping and wider inland connectivity across European hubs.
North American Ports Face Headwinds
Due to tariff disruptions, container throughput in North America reported an 8% decline on a month-to-month basis. Ports on the U.S. West Coast faced heavy declines: Long Beach registered a 26.3% downtick MoM and an 8.2% decline YoY; In comparison, Los Angeles recorded a 15% and 4.8% decrease, respectively, over the respective time frames. Vancouver and Lazaro Cardenas ports, however, stood firm, recording double-digit growth rates YoY.
With these fluctuations taking place, numerous companies are indeed taking a fresh look at their inland logistics, especially at the dependence on drayage freight and full truckload shipping services.
Freight Implications for U.S. Shippers
With various ports adjusting to changing volumes, the movement from port to warehouse must be efficient and timely. In strict time situations, drayage freight offers an important option at the ports, whereas less-than-truckload freight has been a dependable method for continental long-haul deliveries.
Also, intermodal freight transportation offers freedom when it comes to freight shipping because of its high cost-effectiveness, mainly with increased container backlogs weighing on over-the-road carriers.
Final Thoughts: KCH Transportation’s Advantage
Given the regional instability in global freight, KCH Transportation stands for the stability and efficiency that today’s shippers demand. Whether you need drayage freight coordination for your export loads, cost-effective full truckload shipping, or flexible intermodal freight shipments, our team will move your cargo and exceed your expectations with ease.
Reach out to KCH Transportation today—where your freight meets precision logistics.
