POOTEN FORWARDING INTERNATIONAL

We want to be as open as we can about the current shipping and haulage situation.

 

Just as we thought we had turned the corner coming out of lockdowns in UK and Philippines as a result of the pandemic, we are now facing unprecedented times — yet again. This time the delays we are experiencing are a result of a combination of factors.

 

Firstly, as you may be aware in supermarkets and restaurants all over the country, there are low stock supplies. This is attributed to the lack of haulage (HGV) drivers in the UK. We need HGV drivers to deliver the containers that load your boxes into the ship. The lack of haulage drivers means we have faced loadings being cancelled – without notice – due to lack of drivers. When we cannot load, we are delayed in shipping. As a result, we cannot guarantee our regular 8 week service to Luzon.

 

 

Secondly, lack of container space on existing shipping vessels to Asia. One of our shipping lines is no longer accepting bookings for September due to port congestion in Singapore. There are also freight increases due to lack of container capacity. Also, due to covid outbreaks in some shopping ports, transit times will be delayed.

 

 

 

Due to all this uncertainty in the current market, we would ask you to:

 

– Bear with us as we are not able to guarantee delivery times. Some of your boxes may not arrive in time for Christmas, so please advise your family they might not receive their packages on time this year.

– Check expiration dates of the goods you plan to send, and do not send items that could expire early.

– Do not send liquid items as longer transit times can cause liquid in sealed containers to depressurise and burst.

 

We may also need to suspend/increase costs in some of our promotions. This is due to the unexpected costs in freight and haulage, which are beyond our control.

 

We do not know how the shipping industry will fare, but we always have hope in our Lord Jesus. We remain positive that we will continue to serve all of you as long as we possibly can. God bless us all.