Ocean carriers at ports in Mexico and Central America are adjusting services and building contingencies to maintain schedule integrity. Carriers and forwarders attribute the challenges to high trade volumes, particularly from Mexico.

In response to chronic port congestion and berthing delays at key ports in the region, Maersk and CMA CGM have adjusted their service loops by focusing on select ports. The revised port rotation is intended to improve transit times and restore schedule reliability.

Other carriers, including Hapag-Lloyd and Ocean Network Express, have reported similar challenges at ports in Mexico, Panama, and Colombia. The delays are due to high yard utilization, affecting cargo movement and vessel schedules. One global forwarder reported significant disruption at Manzanillo, Christobal, and Acajutla ports, with wait times ranging from three to seven days.

Source: Journal of Commerce