Operational Summary May 2026
May 21, 2026
Fuel-related cost increases, capacity constraints, customs intervention, and schedule disruption across both air and ocean freight are affecting NZ supply chains.
Fuel-related cost increases, capacity constraints, customs intervention, and schedule disruption across both air and ocean freight are affecting NZ supply chains.
The impact on supply chains has escalated, with additional carrier surcharges, cargo disruptions, and early signs of broader economic impact now being observed.
Port of Auckland will operate with caution across today and may be required to extend the planned operational shutdown from 1900 hours tonight.
Port of Auckland VBS fees increased from 1 Jan 2026; Christchurch increases from 1 Feb 2026. Global Air Freight capacity is tight on North America and Europe lanes; late bookings risk rollovers and delays.
Capacity constraints continue across many Asian origins. Rates remain volatile on key trade lanes. Get the full picture in our December Newsletter.
In this Newsletter: relevant information for NZ Importers and Exporters: Global Air Freight and Sea Freight Capacity updates, Disruptions, Rates and Congestion updates. NZ Landside logistics and NZ customs update: US Tariffs, BMSB 2025/2026, Goods Fees rates increase.
Container movements from Port of Tauranga into Metroport delayed; NZ Terminals Handling Charges increase; Port of Tauranga/MetroPort Vehicle Booking System (VBS) charges increase. Other topics in this Newsletter: Global Air Freight and Ocean Freight Updates, Freight Capacities and Service Disruptions.
Freight Market Update for NZ Importers and Exporters: 20’ containers are in short supply across Australia. Asia: Shipping lines are withdrawing capacity, which will result in upward pressure on rates. Congestions at the big Chinese ports, plus the trade war are causing shippers to delay departures of some containers. New Zealand: Customs goods fee rates to change on July 2025.
Important update for NZ importers and exporters: Port of Auckland closure from 11. – 13. April, KiwiRail – changes to operating hours, US Tariffs on New Zealand exports.
Vessels are heavily booked for NZ Export Services. Bookings need to be made 5-6 weeks in advance. Other topics in this newsletter: Ports of Auckland terminal closure, global Air and Ocean Freight updates, NZ Customs – new fees and levy rates.
Important Update for NZ Importers and Exporters: Air Freight delays as we head into the Christmas period. Capacity issues from Asia. Port of Auckland tariff increase. Schedule disruptions in ocean freight from Asia and Europe. Get the full picture in this newsletter.
Important update for supply chain professionals and NZ importers and exporters: Peak Season is filling up sailings and space is restricted, vessels are booked 6-8 weeks in advance of departure. Read this newsletter for details on New Zealand Air Terminals and Landside Logistics, Ocean Freight and Air Freight Update for North America, Europe, Asia and Trans-Tasman.
Summarised supply chain update for NZ importers and exporters: Airfreight Capacity, Ocean Freight schedule disruptions and vessel delays, BMSB Season 2024-25.
New Zealand Logistics Update: BMSB Season, Global Air Freight and Sea Freight Update.
With Golden Week just over a month away, pressure is on space out of China and North Asia. Talk to us to see what your options are.
An explosion occurred at a container terminal in Ningbo; Panama Canal eases traffic restrictions; Port congestions in Singapore, Shanghai, Qingdao. More rate increases from September – check out this update to see if your supply chain is affected.
Fuel-related cost increases, capacity constraints, customs intervention, and schedule disruption across both air and ocean freight are affecting NZ supply chains.
The impact on supply chains has escalated, with additional carrier surcharges, cargo disruptions, and early signs of broader economic impact now being observed.
Port of Auckland will operate with caution across today and may be required to extend the planned operational shutdown from 1900 hours tonight.
Port of Auckland VBS fees increased from 1 Jan 2026; Christchurch increases from 1 Feb 2026. Global Air Freight capacity is tight on North America and Europe lanes; late bookings risk rollovers and delays.
Capacity constraints continue across many Asian origins. Rates remain volatile on key trade lanes. Get the full picture in our December Newsletter.
In this Newsletter: relevant information for NZ Importers and Exporters: Global Air Freight and Sea Freight Capacity updates, Disruptions, Rates and Congestion updates. NZ Landside logistics and NZ customs update: US Tariffs, BMSB 2025/2026, Goods Fees rates increase.
Container movements from Port of Tauranga into Metroport delayed; NZ Terminals Handling Charges increase; Port of Tauranga/MetroPort Vehicle Booking System (VBS) charges increase. Other topics in this Newsletter: Global Air Freight and Ocean Freight Updates, Freight Capacities and Service Disruptions.
Freight Market Update for NZ Importers and Exporters: 20’ containers are in short supply across Australia. Asia: Shipping lines are withdrawing capacity, which will result in upward pressure on rates. Congestions at the big Chinese ports, plus the trade war are causing shippers to delay departures of some containers. New Zealand: Customs goods fee rates to change on July 2025.
Important update for NZ importers and exporters: Port of Auckland closure from 11. – 13. April, KiwiRail – changes to operating hours, US Tariffs on New Zealand exports.
Vessels are heavily booked for NZ Export Services. Bookings need to be made 5-6 weeks in advance. Other topics in this newsletter: Ports of Auckland terminal closure, global Air and Ocean Freight updates, NZ Customs – new fees and levy rates.
Important Update for NZ Importers and Exporters: Air Freight delays as we head into the Christmas period. Capacity issues from Asia. Port of Auckland tariff increase. Schedule disruptions in ocean freight from Asia and Europe. Get the full picture in this newsletter.
Important update for supply chain professionals and NZ importers and exporters: Peak Season is filling up sailings and space is restricted, vessels are booked 6-8 weeks in advance of departure. Read this newsletter for details on New Zealand Air Terminals and Landside Logistics, Ocean Freight and Air Freight Update for North America, Europe, Asia and Trans-Tasman.
Summarised supply chain update for NZ importers and exporters: Airfreight Capacity, Ocean Freight schedule disruptions and vessel delays, BMSB Season 2024-25.
New Zealand Logistics Update: BMSB Season, Global Air Freight and Sea Freight Update.
With Golden Week just over a month away, pressure is on space out of China and North Asia. Talk to us to see what your options are.
An explosion occurred at a container terminal in Ningbo; Panama Canal eases traffic restrictions; Port congestions in Singapore, Shanghai, Qingdao. More rate increases from September – check out this update to see if your supply chain is affected.
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