Last summer, we reviewed the freight challenges at the time and provided advice from one of our carrier partners. Many new factors now affect the ability to move goods both domestically and internationally, and are covered here.

Labor Is Still a Major Factor

“The driver shortage is still going on,” said Lauren White, senior shipping specialist with Airways Freight. “Labor and the supply chain are still choked up. This with the fuel prices are making things more expensive.”

Less-than-load (LTL) capacity is still tight, but has improved since January, she said. Driver availability is still impacting these loads.

Fuel Prices Are Unpredictable

“Fuel is very volatile right now,” White said.

This is especially impacting air freight, she said. “Rates for commercial cargo are going up.”

Geography Plays a Role

“Freight heading West to East is very expensive right now,” White said. The availability of drivers and the growing seasons are factors.

White said some areas are considered undesirable locations for deliveries. Drivers delivering to an unpopulated area are less likely to be able to pick up another load, driving up costs for the route.

Effects of the War in Europe

While air freight operations are much better than a year ago with more flights in the air, be aware that governments can give aid shipments to war-torn areas priority. This can lead to delays for other shipments.

There Is Good News

Traffic is moving through U.S. ports much more smoothly, according to White. “I haven’t seen port issues in a while,” she said.

White advises planning ahead and to be prepared for the unexpected.

“Allow enough time, be flexible with dates and plan for fuel rates to fluctuate,” she said. Provide 24-48 hours for domestic shipments, 72 hours for international air freight and around two weeks for ocean freight. “You can’t necessarily call in the morning for same-day pickup anymore.”

Caloris e-newsletter subscribers will have access to a freight set-up sheet template with this story. To sign up for the Caloris e-newsletter, click here.

Caloris and its subsidiary, Seitz Stainless, are taking steps to be proactive about upcoming equipment shipments.

“Our project managers are keeping a close eye on shipping conditions, staying in close contact with our freight partners and getting creative where needed to expedite shipments,” said Caloris President and CEO Jim Peterson.