Why is my spot freight delayed? 6 reasons for ocean shipping delays (+ Maersk Spot FAQs)

A significant logistics bottleneck - overflowing ports lead to longer waiting times for ships to dock and unload. Contributing factors can include:

• Increased cargo volume: Global trade booms, seasonal spikes, or imbalances in import/export can strain port capacity, leading to vessel shortages. This causes longer wait times and thus, delays.
• Labor shortages: Shortages of dockworkers, truck drivers, and other essential personnel slow down the process of loading/unloading. This can be due to labor disputes, inadequate training programs, or competition from other industries/companies.
• Outdated infrastructure: Limited handling capacity, inadequate storage, and inefficient layouts can create bottlenecks. Lack of proper automation or technological advancements can further slow down operations.

I booked a spot shipment with Maersk, but there are labor shortages. Will Maersk guarantee loading on a specific vessel?

Maersk Spot offers a loading guarantee for your booked container. This means your cargo will be loaded on the chosen vessel or an alternative vessel departing within +/- 3 days of the original scheduled ETD (estimated time of departure). However, even with this guarantee,

My spot shipment with Maersk is stuck due to port congestion. Can I cancel my booking and rebook on a different vessel?

Maersk Spot bookings come with a 2-way commitment. While you benefit from the loading guarantee, amendments or cancellations from your side will incur fees. Here are the possible scenarios you can choose from:

• Option 1: Accept the delay. Maersk will still guarantee loading on the initially booked vessel or a close alternative within the +/- 3-day window. However, your shipment might arrive later than anticipated.
• Option 2: Explore cancellation and rebooking (with fees). You can choose to cancel your spot booking with Maersk (paying a cancellation fee) and try to rebook on a different vessel with another carrier departing sooner (potentially at a higher price due to fluctuating spot rates).

Can I do anything to minimize delays with Maersk Spot shipments?

Maersk offers some level of predictability with loading guarantees; here are some added tips:

• Track your shipment’s status closely. Maersk provides online tracking tools to monitor your freight’s progress and update you on potential delays.
• Consider contingency plans. Alternative options like inland transportation or rerouting to a less congested port (if feasible for your cargo) help mitigate delays.
• Communicate with Maersk. If you have concerns about potential freight delays due to congestion, contact our customer service team to discuss possible solutions.

From origin to destination, your freight shipment needs different documents at various stages of the journey. Common errors in paperwork can cause delays, like:

• Inaccurate description: Wrong HS codes, product specifications, or addresses can hinder shipping processes and lead to delays.
• Missing documents: Lost paperwork is another common cause of shipping delays. This can include missing bills of lading, invoices, packing lists, or certificates of origin.
• Illegible or blurry writing: Handwritten documents with unclear or messy writing can be misinterpreted by customs officials, leading to delays. Blurry copies of documents can make it difficult to verify details, causing further holdups.

Can Maersk help identify potential documentation issues before my spot shipment departs?

Maersk Spot primarily focuses on securing space for your cargo at a competitive price; so, we wouldn’t flag potential documentation issues beforehand. It’s your responsibility to ensure all documents are accurate and complete.

While we don’t handle the entire documentation process, Maersk does provide online resources and guidelines to help you understand the necessary paperwork and rules for your shipment.

I am shipping internationally but don’t have a Certificate of Origin (COO). What will happen to my spot freight booking?

If your Maersk Spot shipment is missing the required COO, it may be delayed at customs while you scramble to obtain the document. This can lead to storage fees and impact your timelines.

What happens if I have put the wrong HS code for my spot freight?

If the HS code listed on the invoice is incorrect, Maersk will likely forward the shipment, but customs might hold it for reclassification and potential additional duty assessments. This can cause significant delays and unexpected costs.

Can Maersk reject my spot shipment if the documentation is incorrect?

Yes. Maersk has the right to refuse a shipment with incorrect or missing documents. Depending on the severity of the errors, your shipment could be delayed or even canceled. There might also be associated amendment, no-show, or cancellation fees.

The dynamic nature of the supply-demand market means the supply chain can get disrupted for multiple reasons. Here are some examples:

• Change in consumer habits: Sudden changes in buying trends can trigger delays. A surge in demand for a particular product can lead to production slowdowns as factories scramble to adjust their output.
• Equipment shortages: A lack of containers and other necessary equipment, like chassis or forklifts, can lead to bottlenecks. Container shortages are a common issue that leads to delays in loading or unloading freight, impacting timelines.
• Unpredictable schedules: Unreliable shipping schedules can throw your entire supply chain into a mess. It becomes difficult to plan for arrivals or smoothly integrate them into your operations, leading to delays in production or difficulties fulfilling customer orders.

Does Maersk Spot offer any features to help manage supply chain disruptions?

Maersk Spot focuses on providing competitive pricing and securing space on vessels. We might not offer specific features to predict or manage supply chain disruptions. However, our online shipment visibility tools can provide near real-time tracking information on your shipment, allowing you to monitor any potential delays.

Are there any benefits to using Maersk Spot during supply chain disruptions?

Sometimes, yes. Spot quotes can offer some advantages in a disrupted market:

• Flexibility: If disruptions impact your usual contracted routes or carriers, spot quotes allow you to explore alternative options based on real-time pricing and availability.
• Potentially lower costs: Depending on the market conditions during a disruption, spot quotes might offer lower prices than fixed contracts, especially if traditional routes are experiencing a surge in demand.

Hangups at customs can significantly delay your spot freight’s release. Common causes include:

• Incorrect documentation: Missing or inaccurate paperwork, such as bills of lading, invoices, or packing lists with incorrect HS codes or product descriptions, can lead to freight delays while authorities investigate discrepancies.
• Increased scrutiny: Stricter customs inspections due to heightened security concerns or trade compliance regulations can slow down the clearance process, especially for high-risk goods or those originating from countries with a higher risk profile.
• Verification of booking details: Since spot contracts are typically secured closer to the shipment date, customs officials might spend more time verifying the booking details and legitimacy of the involved parties. This could involve contacting the carrier or shipper for additional documentation or confirmation, leading to potential delays.

Do I need to complete customs clearance to confirm my booking?

No, customs clearance is a procedure that happens after booking confirmation and when your shipment is in transit. Therefore, at the time of shipment departure or arrival, you need to complete the import or export customs procedures.

How much customs duty will I pay for my shipment?

The corresponding HS code determines any applicable duties or taxes on your spot shipment. Based on the country regulations where the shipment is declared, additional fees may be levied during customs clearance.

I booked a shipment with Maersk Spot. Does Maersk provide any assistance with customs clearance?

Yes, to simplify the customs and compliance process, Maersk provides global customs clearance services with local expertise according to your origin/destination. You can purchase this as a value-added service along with your Maersk Spot booking or at a later stage with the help of our online solutions through MyCustoms.

We also offer services like HS Classification, Trade Compliance Services, customs strategy and optimization, and more. Explore Maersk Customs Services!

Emergencies like pandemics or natural disasters can cause widespread disruptions to the entire supply chain. These can manifest as:

• Port closures: Widespread lockdowns or quarantines implemented to control the spread of diseases can lead to port closures or restricted operations. This can significantly delay the movement of cargo and disrupt shipping schedules.
• Labor shortages: Emergencies can exacerbate existing labor shortages at ports, warehouses, and transportation companies. Sickness, travel restrictions, or social distancing measures can limit the availability of workers, further slowing down cargo handling and processing.
• Resource shortages: Global emergencies can disrupt the production and availability of critical resources like fuel. This can lead to fuel price hikes, impacting shipping costs and, in some cases, limiting the availability of fuel for vessels.

A global fuel shortage is driving up transportation costs. Will this impact my Maersk Spot shipment?

Global events like fuel shortages can significantly impact the shipping industry. While the fuel shortage might not directly delay your shipment, it could potentially lead to higher spot rates for other shippers on the same vessel.

Note that while Maersk Spot quotes are locked in when booked, these disruptions might cause spot rates to fluctuate significantly.

I used Maersk Spot to book my shipment, but the tracking information hasn’t been updated. Should I be worried?

There can be various reasons for a delay in tracking updates, but it is not necessarily a major issue. To track your Maersk spot shipment, simply click Tracking in the top menu, enter your container or bill of lading (B/L) number, and click ‘Search’. If you’re unable to view any information, contact Maersk support.

Even the best plans can be disrupted by events beyond your control. Here’s how external factors can cause delays to your ocean freight shipment:

• Bad weather: Unpredictable weather patterns can wreak havoc on shipping schedules. Storms, hurricanes, or dense fog can force port closures, reroute shipments, or slow operations, causing delays.
• Geopolitical events: War, political instability, or piracy can disrupt shipping lanes and impact cargo safety. These events can lead to port closures, changes in shipping routes, or delays while authorities ensure safe passage.
• Mechanical problems: Ship breakdowns or equipment malfunctions can cause unplanned detours or delays. While these are relatively rare occurrences, they can significantly impact your shipment’s arrival time, especially if repairs are needed.

A mechanical issue has been reported on the vessel carrying my Maersk Spot shipment. What happens now?

Mechanical problems are rare but can cause delays. In such cases, contact Maersk Spot customer service to inquire about the specific issue and estimated delay caused by the repairs. While the repairs are Maersk’s responsibility, the delay might impact delivery timelines.

My Maersk Spot shipment is going through a region experiencing political unrest. Should I be worried about delays?

Yes. Geopolitical events can disrupt shipping and supply chains on a global level. Any political instability or piracy threats could lead to port closures, changes in shipping routes, or delays while authorities ensure safe passage for vessels. This could significantly extend your shipment’s arrival time.

Did you know? Maersk’s Value Protect is an add-on product that extends the liability for terms of carriage to cover aspects not usually included in traditional terms, such as damages caused by fire or unexpected delay.