For both the importer and exporter in the ocean world, it is no secret that container drayage is hard to come by with the current shipping conditions. There was recently a depot closure in Newark; according to JOC.com, this depot closure is causing a ripple effect. The depot that was closed was Ironbound Intermodal Industries which held around 12,000 containers. The closure of this depot is causing a trucking shortage, leaving truckers to scramble and find new storage for their empty containers.
Carriers are not helping by having the empty import containers returned to other locations than where the trucker pulled the loaded container. Newark/New York in the recent month has been busier in the past two months than it has in the past four years. If the shipment is being put on the rail, the container may be delayed due to congestion right now. Depending on a rail yard, rails only allow a certain number of containers to be accepted at the yard per day.
As we continue to adjust our planning around the ever-changing conditions, there are some recommendations that we can offer to help ease the struggle of trying to obtain trucking. First and foremost, the sooner you know about a shipment, let us know to obtain the trucking. Secondly, provide all pertinent information as early as possible, such as the delivery locations, hours, and contacts to help us avoid further delays. Lastly, we ask you to keep all parties involved looped in about any potential delays to your shipment. Here at Jade, we provide all updated information as we receive it, but delays and schedule changes can happen within hours of each other.
As always, Jade is here to assist with any question or concerns.
Container Chaos in Newark/New York
The Newark/New York port complex has seen an unprecedented surge in activity. In fact, the past two months have been busier than the previous four years combined. The increased volume, coupled with fewer drop-off locations and tighter regulations, is stretching available trucking resources to the brink.
Making matters worse, carriers are often requiring that empty import containers be returned to a different location than where the loaded container was originally pulled. This inefficiency is creating significant logistical headaches for truckers, and in some cases, increasing detention and demurrage costs for shippers.
Rail Delays Add to the Trucking Shortage Challenge
For shipments moving inland via rail, congestion is causing additional delays. Many rail yards are limiting the number of containers they will accept per day, which can create backlog and delivery disruptions for time-sensitive cargo. Depending on the yard and its current capacity, your shipment may be held up longer than expected—even if everything else in the process is running smoothly.
What Can You Do?
While some of these factors are outside of anyone’s control, there are steps you can take to help minimize disruption and improve your chances of securing drayage:
- Communicate Early
The sooner you know about a shipment, let us know. The earlier we can begin working to secure trucking, the better the outcome will be. - Provide Complete Information
Share key details up front—delivery addresses, contact names and numbers, warehouse receiving hours, and any special instructions. This information helps prevent delays and allows us to schedule efficiently. - Keep Everyone in the Loop
If there are any changes or anticipated delays, let all involved parties know as soon as possible. We commit to doing the same on our end, as trucking schedules and port conditions can change within hours.
At Jade International, we are actively monitoring port and rail conditions daily and doing everything possible to stay ahead of disruptions. We understand how critical timing and transparency are in the current environment, and we’re here to support you with clear updates, alternative solutions, and dependable service.
