Cargo delays continue at Mexico’s Port of Manzanillo more than a month after a four-day customs strike. Despite measures such as longer weekend hours and increased customs staffing, congestion has not improved. Ships are now waiting 1.8 days to dock – the longest delay recorded this year, according to Vizion and Dun & Bradstreet.

One global forwarder said container throughput was down by 50%, with some shipments delayed by up to two weeks. To avoid disruptions, they advise booking three to four weeks in advance or using alternative ports, such as Lázaro Cárdenas.

One customs broker pointed out that if containers missed their scheduled gate-out time due to delays, importers may be forced to apply for clearance. This could trigger additional storage and demurrage charges.

Back in May, Felipe Grijalba, Shipco’s Trade Lane Development Manager – LATAM, discussed the impact of the customs strike on LCL services moving from the U.S. to Latin America. He noted at the time that the backlog caused by the four-day halt, combined with the port’s slow recovery, would lead to continued delays.

Source: Journal of Commerce, Shipco Transport