The ports of Hamburg and Rotterdam are currently experiencing significant delays. Ships arriving and departing are affected by the ongoing congestion, resulting in delays that often span several days.
The primary cause of this situation is congestion. In Hamburg, occasional staffing shortages have worsened the problem, while Rotterdam's Euromax terminal has been undergoing maintenance on three of its cranes, further contributing to the slowdown.
As a result, operations are running slowly, with terminals overwhelmed by containers. Unfortunately, feeder vessels have limited access, as priority is given to ocean vessels. It is expected to take some time before conditions return to normal.
Please reach out to your local contact person at FREJA if you have any questions or need assistance with your shipments.
We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you updated.
David Nielsen
Head of Business Development Air & Ocean
+45 5234 5457
dni@freja.com
4-10-24
A temporary agreement has been reached between ILA and USMX, which means that the dockworkers will resume work immediately. The agreement includes a 62% salary increase over the next six years, but there are still other contractual terms that need to be negotiated. The strike is therefore temporarily postponed until January 15, 2025, and negotiations will continue until then. FREJA will continuously monitor how the negotiations between ILA and USMX develop, so we can best prepare our customers with alternative solutions in case of a new strike in January. Contact your representative at FREJA if you need assistance and advice on your shipping options to/from the USA.
2-10-24
Several carriers have declared force majeure and are adding port congestion surcharges. Affected customers will be contacted directly. We are continuously working to find the best solutions.
1-10-24
On October 1, approximately 45,000 dockworkers in up to 36 cities on the U.S. East Coast initiated a widespread strike. The strike is happening because the dockworkers' union, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), and the employer association, United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. (USMX), couldn't agree on a new contract.
The ports are now closed, and with each passing day, the effects of the strike will intensify. We can expect ship congestion in the ports, leading to significant delays. The extent of the strike's consequences largely depends on its duration, but it is still too early to predict specific outcomes.
Some carriers have already announced price increases, and we anticipate air freight prices to rise as well due to increased demand. We encourage our customers to plan their shipments well in advance and consider alternative shipping options. At FREJA, we are working hard to find alternative solutions and routes, such as via the U.S. West Coast or Canada, to minimize the impact on our customers and ensure continuity in the supply chain.
Please reach out to your local contact person at FREJA if you have any questions or need assistance with your shipments to/from the USA.
We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you updated.
David Nielsen
Head of Business Development Air & Ocean
+45 5234 5457
dni@freja.com
How can we help you?
As the Chinese National Holiday, also known as Golden Week, approaches from October 1 to October 7, it is a good idea to plan accordingly. During this period, many people in China will be on vacation, and most companies and factories will be closed.
Therefore, we recommend our customers book well in advance to avoid delays or disruptions in their supply chains. Additionally, consider whether a sea-air solution could be beneficial for your company. Please reach out to your local contact at FREJA or David Nielsen, Head of Business Development Air & Ocean, if you wish to explore how we can support your business.
If you are importing from China, please consider the following:
- Ensure orders are placed well in advance to accommodate factory closures.
- Plan ahead with your freight forwarder as schedules and available capacity may be affected.
- Check when factories resume operations after the holiday period.
David Nielsen
Head of Business Development Air & Ocean
+45 5234 5457
dni@freja.com
A potential strike by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) is looming due to ongoing disputes with the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. (USMX) over wages and working conditions. The current contract between ILA and USMX expires on September 30, meaning the strike could start on October 1 if no new agreement is reached.
This strike could significantly impact our customers by causing severe port congestions and delays as operations are suspended. Additionally, some carriers have already announced rate increases, and we expect air freight rates to rise due to increased demand if the strike occurs.
This strike would hit 60% of the total US container volume, making it crucial to plan the delivery of goods as supply chains would be interrupted.
At FREJA, we are preparing by exploring alternative solutions and routes, such as via the US West Coast or Canada, to mitigate the impact on our customers and ensure supply chain continuity. In the event of a strike, FREJA will provide you with the needed assistance.
For further information, please contact your local FREJA team.
David Nielsen
Head of Business Development Air & Ocean
+45 5234 5457
dni@freja.com
How can we help you?
Even though the weather more seems like spring, we cannot deny that the calendar says June and summer is upon us. This means that we are ready to present FREJA's second newsletter for 2024, and we are happy to give you an insight into our many services. Even though FREJA started as a traditional freight forwarding company, today we offer much more than just road transportation from A to B. Read this newsletter to get a better understanding of the other services we offer.
On May 1st, FREJA opened the doors to a new modern logistics center in Jönköping. We have quadrupled the capacity and the new logistics facility now spans 20,000 m². FREJA's new environmentally certified building in Jönköping enables shorter transit times across the Nordic countries and Europe. We are excited to welcoming you.
We understand the complexity of the pharma and healthcare industry, which is why we are constantly working to develop and improve our solutions. At the beginning of the year, we expanded our pharma and healthcare logistics solutions with a new service - Order2Cash. With this service, we handle your logistics from order to revenue and collect payments on your behalf. Though specifically designed for pharma and healthcare customers, the solution can also be tailored for other segments. You can read much more about this service here.
Once again, FREJA was in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, last month, where the Breakbulk Europe conference took place. FREJA participated together with our sister company SDK, as part of SDK FREJA, and our representatives were ready to welcome the many visitors to our stand and present our comprehensive project solutions. We saw a significant increase in the number of visitors and the event was a great success.
We would also like to remind you that, as of January 1, 2025, trucks will be required to pay road tax in Denmark. This road tax is being introduced to promote a green transition in Danish road transportation. We expect to provide more information about this later this year.
Soon, the summer vacation will begin, and most people will take the opportunity to unwind and relax. However, FREJA is always available, so don't hesitate to reach out to us if you need anything.
With that said, on behalf of FREJA Denmark, I would like to thank you for your interest in our newsletter and wish you a great summer vacation.
Jan Sunde
Managing Director, Denmark
+45 9670 5005
+45 4060 5600
jsu@freja.com
FREJA Transport & Logistics: More than just road transport
At FREJA Transport & Logistics, we are proud of our long history and wide range of services that go far beyond traditional transport and logistics. FREJA's journey began in 1985, and today we are one of the leading transport and logistics companies in the Nordic region. Our growth and success are due to our personal service and ability to adapt to market demands.
Some might not know about all the services we provide and assume that we only handle road transportation. Although we have an average of three trucks crossing the Great Belt Bridge every hour around the clock, we can do much more than just transport goods via road.
Services for every need
Did you know, for example, that we offer 4PL solutions and can help you optimize your supply chain? Or that we established a courier department in Stilling last year and now offer a range of flexible solutions, depending on whether time or cost is most important to you? Or did you know that we have a comprehensive IT department with skilled colleagues who can perform various complex integrations and provide you with customized customer reports? In addition to these services, we are also proud to offer sea and air freight, project forwarding of oversized cargo, as well as various warehousing solutions and pharma and healthcare logistics.
Constantly evolving and up for a challenge
We want to be your preferred full-service provider of transport and logistics solutions, and we are constantly looking for ways to optimize and develop our services. We are always ready for a challenge, so contact us if you have a transport and logistics task that you need help solving.
Franz Andersen
Sales Director, Denmark
+45 9670 5030
+45 5234 5030
fas@freja.com
FREJA’s new, large logistics center in Jönköping, Sweden, is now open for business
After intense weeks of hard work, our new logistics and cross-dock center in Jönköping is now officially open. On May 1st, we opened the doors to our brand-new, state-of-the-art logistics center in Jönköping.
The building spans an impressive 20,000 m², which includes access to 5,000 m² of cross-docking, as well as 14,300 m² of contract logistics, and it has capacity for 17,500 pallets.
"We work closely with our colleagues in Sweden, and with the new logistics center in Jönköping, we can enhance our transport and logistics solutions for our customers. Jönköping is an important logistical hub, and the expansion ensures shorter transit times across the Nordic countries and Europe, including our national last-mile setup in Sweden," says Sales Director at FREJA Denmark, Franz Andersen.
The new logistics center is environmentally certified, and 216 solar panels have been installed on the roof. By harnessing solar energy, we become less dependent on fossil fuels and minimize our carbon footprint.
Would you like to know more? Then reach out to your local contact person at FREJA or Sales Director, Franz Andersen.
Download more information here
Photos from FREJA Jönköping
Franz Andersen
Sales Director, Denmark
+45 9670 5030
+45 5234 5030
fas@freja.com
Enhance efficiency and optimize your supply chain with FREJA’s Order2Cash service
At FREJA, we understand the complexities of pharma and healthcare logistics, including the stringent rules and regulations that must be followed, and we strive to be a full-service logistics provider within the pharma and healthcare industry.
We are always seeking innovative solutions to make things easier for our customers. We are thrilled to introduce our new Order2Cash service, designed specifically for pharma and healthcare providers aiming to enhance their warehousing and logistics operations while achieving a more streamlined and asset-light supply chain.
Our FREJA Logistics Order2Cash service goes beyond traditional warehousing; it is a solution that manages your logistics from order collection to revenue realization. We collect payments on your behalf and serve your end customers with the utmost care and professionalism, ensuring a smooth, outsourced process. This way, you can focus on what you do best while we handle the rest.
Three main reasons to choose FREJA Logistics’ Order2Cash service
- Expert handling: With specialized expertise in pharma and healthcare logistics, we ensure that all items are stored, handled, and delivered with the highest standards of care and compliance.
- Efficient cash flow: By managing collections, we help improve your cash flow, allowing you to focus more on your core business activities.
- Customer satisfaction: Our dedicated customer service team, available via email and phone, ensures that your end customers' inquiries and needs are addressed promptly and effectively.
Ready to optimize your pharma and healthcare logistics? We are here to guide you through the benefits of Order2Cash and how it can be tailored to meet your specific needs.
Morten Bruun-Kristensen
Logistics & Healthcare Director, Denmark
+45 9670 5422
+45 5353 2073
muk@freja.com
Thomas Mikkelsen
Head of Logistics Development
+45 9670 5342
+45 2228 8950
tmi@freja.com
Breakbulk Europe 2024: Once Again a Great Success for FREJA
Last month, FREJA participated in Breakbulk Europe 2024 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, alongside colleagues from our sister company, SDK.
This event has always been a key opportunity for us to connect with industry professionals and present our extensive project forwarding solutions, and this year was no exception.
We saw a marked increase in visitors to our stand compared to previous years, allowing us to engage with many new and returning customers. Our team had many productive conversations about how we can tailor our services to meet the unique needs of our customers.
"Our presence at Breakbulk Europe 2024 was a great opportunity to showcase what FREJA can offer. The positive feedback and high level of interest we received were incredibly encouraging and confirm our commitment to providing professional and customized project forwarding solutions,” says FREJA’s Global Forwarding Director, Hongyi Niu.
We want to thank everyone who visited us at the event. Your support and interest drive us to continue improving and expanding our services.
If you are curious to learn more about our project forwarding solutions, you can find more info here. Otherwise, please feel free to reach out to our team at project.dk@freja.com.
Hongyi Niu
Director Global Forwarding, Denmark
+45 9670 5252
+45 5234 5252
hnu@freja.com
The sea freight industry continues to play a vital role in global trade, ensuring goods reach their destinations worldwide. However, the market is currently under substantial pressure, and we are experiencing price increases from shipping companies. One contributing factor is the early dispatch of shipments for the Christmas holiday season. Combined with extended transit times, this has resulted in a reduction in the number of available departures.
Impact of the situation in the Red Sea
Adding to the complexity, the situation in the Red Sea has forced ships on the Asia-Europe route to detour around the Cape of Good Hope. This detour has led to longer voyages and an increase in the number of ships required to maintain service levels, thereby partially absorbing the newly delivered capacity since the start of the year.
Capacity constraints and blank sailings
The market is also dealing with a shortage of available containers, worsened by extended transit times. To further complicate the situation, shipping companies have announced blank sailings, which reduce the number of departures and deepen the capacity constraints. These market conditions are primarily driven by the dynamics of supply and demand.
Recommendations for customers
Given these challenges, we strongly recommend that customers pre-book their shipments well in advance to secure availability. Planning ahead is crucial in navigating these market conditions effectively. FREJA is available to assist you during these challenging times. If you have any further questions or want to learn more about our sea freight solutions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
David Nielsen
Head of Business Development Air & Ocean
+45 5234 5457
dni@freja.com
After intense weeks of hard work, our new logistics and cross-dock center in Jönköping is now officially open for business. On the 1st of May, we finally opened the doors to our brand new, state-of-the-art logistics center located in Jönköping. The facility spans an impressive 20,000 m², which includes access to 5,000 m² for cross-docking operations as well as 14,300 m² set aside for contract logistics. It has the capacity to store 17,500 pallets.
The business is up and running, the pallets are rolling in and out seamlessly, our office is fully equipped, and the team is comfortably settled in.
We are excited about the launch of our new logistics center and our expanded presence in the area. Jönköping is an important logistics hub that enables us to effectively offer last-mile delivery services across the Nordic region, as well as transport further into Europe and the rest of the world.
It is with great joy and pride that we welcome you. Here, both you and FREJA will thrive. We have everything you need for smooth transport and storage solutions. No matter what your needs are, you can rest assure that we have the perfect solution.
Contact us to see how we can find a tailor-made solution for your specific needs.
Photos from FREJA Jönköping
Niclas Andersson
Head of Logistics Sweden & Branch Manager
+46 36 18 13 60
+46 76 308 89 60
nia@freja.com
Søren Skive
Deputy Managing Director Sweden
+46 40 680 83 88
+45 6025 4600
ssk@freja.com
The 1st of May, 2024, FREJA will open a new environmentally certified logistics center on 20,000 m² in Jönköping, Sweden.
The expansion will ensure shorter transit times across the Nordic countries and Europe, including our national last-mile setup in Sweden.
The new logistics center provides access to 5,000 m² for cross-docking, 14,300 m² for contract logistics, and can accommodate 17,500 pallets.
Watch videos from the construction here
We at FREJA look forward with anticipation to our new logistics and terminal property, which is now really taking shape and which is the basis for our expansion in Jönköping. The project has come a long way and occupancy is planned for spring 2024. There are favorable conditions here for efficient handling of goods and warehousing, as well as further transport to all Nordic and European countries with local last-mile services.
Get in touch with us to find out more and see what solutions we can offer your business when we get started in the new premises.
Niklas Blomgren
Key Account Manager Sweden
+46 36 18 13 51
+46 70 182 50 19
nbl@freja.com
Niclas Andersson
Head of Logistics Sweden & Branch Manager
+46 36 18 13 60
+46 76 308 89 60
nia@freja.com