2022 Strategies for Global Shipping Challenges

Note: We recognize that global shipping challenges are a fluid and constantly evolving situation, but stay tuned as we provide ongoing updates.

It will come as no surprise to anyone that a global shipping and supply chain crisis is directly affecting every facet of international commerce, including household goods shipments. The world’s ocean, air, and trucking industries have always struggled to keep up with sharp surges in demand, but the arrival of the COVID-19 global pandemic severely impacted every aspect of global commerce that depends on ocean, air, rail, and road modes of shipping.

Unfortunately, the supply chain reprieve everyone hoped for leading into 2022 was erased by continued waves of the COVID-19 pandemic that swept the globe and created continuing challenges. These impacts are being felt around the world as terminals, trucking companies, and the entire supply chain struggle to keep staffing levels workable to operate effectively. Carriers’ schedule reliability remains at an all-time low, arriving as scheduled less than 35% of the time in the first quarter of 2022, down from pre-pandemic levels of 75-85% of the time.

While simple solutions are not available, and shipping and supply chain challenges are expected to continue throughout the rest of 2022 and even into 2023, our article, 2022 Strategies for Shipping Challenges, outlines approaches you can take to mitigate some of the challenges of moving your employees.

Setting Expectations for Stakeholders and Relocating Employees

• Maintain close communication with SIRVA, your key stakeholders, and your relocating employees
• Have flexibility and plan ahead
• Stay updated on the ever-changing challenges through information from SIRVA and your suppliers
• Consider including a Carrier Delay Protection Program to protect your employees

Shipment Delay Strategies: Program Recommendations

The lingering effects of the pandemic and ongoing global events will continue to cause shipping delays, meaning shipping timelines and costs will continue to be impacted throughout 2022. Our article explores the strategies being put into place by some organizations to manage shipping delays, including:

• Extending temporary living benefits
• Short-term furniture rental or furniture allowances
• Air shipments
• Additional excess baggage
• Early shipments

What is SIRVA Doing to Manage Global Household Goods Shipment Challenges?

SIRVA is committed to communicating timely and effective solutions to organizations in a collaborative manner and working to deliver reliable service during these unprecedented times. We will continue to:

• Monitor the global supply chain situation closely and keep you updated
• Provide you with access to SIRVA’s expansive global network of suppliers
• Assist you and your employees with planning support and tracking

We will continue to keep you updated on this ongoing challenge. If you have any questions, please contact your SIRVA representative, or email us at concierge@sirva.com.