In the second of a series of articles on the ongoing shipping crisis, Enesco’s customer operations director, Christine McCall, talks to GiftsandHome.net about increased costs, a shortage of available container space, and how the company is facing up to the challenges so that customers can continue to receive their stock with minimal disruption.
“Space on vessels is tight, with the shipping companies adding on a variety of new surcharges to cover Emergency Space Surcharge (ESS), Season Surcharge (PSS) and General Rate Increase (GRI).
“It is reported that the Houthi rebel attacks have increased significantly over the last couple of weeks, and this is, of course, driving the rates up, with an increasing reference to the rates reaching pandemic levels although they are not saying when this could happen. We are not yet seeing any significant delays in arrival times, but we are aware that there are issues with available space on vessels leaving China.
“There is little we can do about the increases other than keep a close eye on the situation and react when and if necessary.
“We will continue to encourage our customers to forward order where possible to secure our available stock, but appreciate that in the current climate, retailers may be cautious about over committing.”
Top: Christine McCall, customer operations director at Enesco.
