Navigating the Impact of Congestion on China-Europe and China-Australia Trade

2026-08-23 · www.container-news.com

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As the global supply chain continues to evolve, shippers are facing new challenges in the form of congestion surcharges. Recently, Hapag-Lloyd introduced a Congestion Surcharge for inland shipments routed through Antwerp or Rotterdam, citing low water levels on the Rhine as the primary cause.

Practical Insights for Shippers

To navigate the impact of congestion surcharges, shippers can consider the following strategies:

Optimize cargo consolidation to reduce the number of shipments and minimize the risk of congestion surcharges.

Explore alternative transportation modes, such as rail or truck, to avoid congested barge routes.

Work closely with carriers and freight forwarders to stay informed about congestion surcharges and adjust logistics strategies accordingly.

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