Port Direct Newsletter
December 2024
Welcome to the new edition of the Port Direct newsletter, we hope you enjoy reading our latest containerised cargo news and updates.
A festive highlight: Our team hosts at The London Freight Club!
This December, the Container Division had the privilege of hosting a table at the much-anticipated London Freight Club Christmas event. Bringing together professionals from across the freight, logistics and supply chain community, it was an evening of connection, celebration, and holiday spirit. The London Freight Club welcomed an exceptional turnout, setting a new record for the number of attendees at the Christmas luncheon, held in the heart of the capital.
The highlight of the day was the opportunity to connect clients with other industry professionals, fostering collaboration and building a stronger sense of community within the sector.
Speaking about the event, Emma Snell, Head of Business Development – Containers Division, commented, “Events such as this are a reminder of the strength and camaraderie within our industry, it was heartening to see so many passionate individuals coming together to celebrate. The London Freight Club was a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with industry friends old and new and to raise the profile of our port and what we offer, ahead of what we believe will be a challenging yet exciting 2025. Just because we are based in the North-West of the UK, doesn’t mean we have a limited reach. We are an integral part of the UK’s supply chain, and this gave us the space to hold those conversations.”
As the industry continues to evolve, Peel Ports Group remains committed to staying at the forefront of innovation and collaboration. Events such as this plays a vital role in building bridges and creating opportunities for growth and success for all.
Helping businesses grow: Montirex & The Port of Liverpool
Founded by Daniel Yuen and Kieran Riddell-Austin in their living room after noticing a gap in the sportswear market, Montirex began life with a product catalogue of three t-shirts selling out of Liverpool. Today the brand is gearing up to launch across Europe, and are growing fast.
As the brand grows, it is increasing the volume of containers being shipped into the UK for its warehouse in Speke, south of Liverpool.
Initially, stock was shipped to Southern ports but after discussions regarding how the Port of Liverpool can hep reduce carbon footprints, save on haulage costs and improve stock availability; they are now shipping cargo into Liverpool.
They recently had stock aboard the Trieste, one of the biggest ships we have received into Liverpool. The vessel arrived on a Sunday yet Montirex were able to receive containers into their warehouse on the Tuesday morning, 48 hours later !
James Thomas, Head of Shipping “For us this was a game changer. Having stock available so quickly fits our model of needing stock out of port as soon as possible. Ideally we would like to bring all our volume into Liverpool, this helps our carbon footprint ambitions and we know stock is available and accessible much quicker at Liverpool. It has eased some of our challenges in this tough environment”
Blog: Freight market update
Jerome Wildsmith, Sales Manager - BCO Services (Port of Liverpool), provides his latest thoughts on the current state of the global freight market.
"The freight market remains volatile with average prices for 40ft Containers from China to the UK around the $4300 mark by end of December. Many BCO’s who’s contract rates ended 2024 have extended the terms a quarter in hope that the market stabilises. It has been as high as $9,000+ for 40ft this year!"
"The average rate for the year has been around the $4500 mark. Many BCO’s do not like the volatility however as prices for stock ie LANDED costs need to be finalised for the year for budget purposes. It means those who have not yet secured deals for 2025 are taking a guess at what the costs will be. It’s tough on the parties involved in this with said budgets being so crucial and with the freight market so uncertain."
"Many play the market, whilst other fix monthly/quarterly deals."
"It is felt the Cape of Good Hope will still be the routing for the year ahead with no sign of an imminent end in the issues at Suez. In my opinion $4500 will probably be the average for the year but then again who knows in this market and it only takes another crisis to start the rate fluctuating again! All this uncertainty over freight rates does not help supply chains that is for sure."
"However, price aside - the biggest issues have been space and reliability of eta. The stats for 2024 are yet to be finalised but the biggest frustration has been when booking on a vessel with an ‘eta’ that has not been reliable. The carriers are aiming to improve this reliability in 2025. Time will tell!"
Celebrating a successful 2024 in Customer Service
We are proud to close 2024 on a high note with 129 tours and 846 guests visiting our operation this year.
Luis Mendez, Customer Service Manager
"So proud to showcase the hard work, dedication, and delivery of such a busy and complex operation at Liverpool. I am surrounded by incredible operational and office colleagues that work tirelessly to make sure the world keeps on turning around!
And what can I say about my Customer Services team, your Tour hosts, an amazing bunch of passionate professionals that will make your visit enjoyable and informative."
Wishing you a happy and healthy new year
As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to say thanks to our fantastic customers and all who we have had the pleasure of working with in 2024.
We look forward to once again achieving great things together in 2025.
Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year.