FIATA calls for adequate free periods for container use and for a quality control of the container fleet in circulation

FIATA, the world freight forwarders' association, has issued a statement calling on shipping lines to review the current free periods for container use and return to pre-pandemic levels. At the same time, FIATA is also calling on shipping companies to critically assess the quality of the container stock in circulation.

FIATA calls on the shipping companies to bring the free periods back to a feasible, pre-pandemic level. The decision to reduce free periods was unilateral. In the meantime, market conditions have changed, making it impossible to justify the status quo.

FIATA notes that shipping lines are obliged to provide shippers with a reasonable period of time for loading and delivery of the container in the case of export and collection, unloading and return of the empty container in the case of import. In recent years, the free periods for containers have been shortened while demurrage and detention costs have increased significantly.

Source: FIATA